fukthong pad kai

Since my jungle time, I have been thinking about the stir-fried pumpkin and egg dish I had. It was one of those dishes that, at the time had no idea what it was that I was eating.  I just new that it was notable and that I must recreate it at some point. I managed to find the secret cookbook that is used for Thai cooking classes. I may have "borrowed" the book and jotted down a recipe or two. Shh.

On Tuesday evening, on my way back from Koh Lampuh, or Exercise Island I stopped for and oil change. Then off I went to one of my favorite local markets.  It's there that I spotted the pumpkin I wanted.  One can buy the pumpkin whole (usually large) or simply buy it by the wedge (weight per kilogram).  I purchase a a wedge, cost of 40 baht. The total cost of this recipe was under 45 baht, about 20 baht a serving. I made just over 2 servings worth.

pumpkin, fresh eggs, garlic, ground white pepper, fish sauce, sunflower oil

Recipe for Fukthong Pad Kai

Serves 2-3

1.5-2 lbs pumpkin (kabocha squash), 1" diced

4 eggs

4-5 cloves of garlic, minced

1 T fish sauce or soy sauce

1/2 tsp white pepper, ground

3 T oil (I used sunflower oil)

 Dice the pumpkin into 1" cubes.  

Heat the oil in the wok on medium-high heat. Once oil is heated through, add the minced garlic. Once the garlic is fragrant add the pumpkin and fish sauce (or soy sauce).  Cover the pumpkin with water, just enough to allow the it to to cook til tender.  Don't overcook the pumpkin or it will have a mushy consistency.

 Once the pumpkin is tender enough (test by piercing with a knife or fork), make a well in the center of the wok or skillet.  Add the eggs (3-4), I used three eggs. Once the eggs are in start mixing the egg into the pumpkin.  The egg with have a 'scrambled egg-like' appearance. 

Finish up this quick and easy meal by topping it with ground pepper, or my favorite chili flakes.

Enjoy. Serve with steamed rice if you wish.

Comments I found this dish to be quick, easy, and delicious.  If you are unable to find kabocha squash (pumpkin), there are other options. I would recommend that you try butternut squash or perhaps a turban squash.  As for the eggs, you could go with egg whites or half the yokes if that is more appealing to you.  In addition, you may stir-fry other vegetables in the mix.  This meal would make for a great side dish or breakfast entree as well.