Ridge Gourd Thogayal or Chutney

Ridge Gourd is otherwise known as Chinese Okra – it is called Beerakaya in Andhra Pradesh, Peerkangai in Tamil Nadu and Thurai in the northern parts ofIndia

Ridge Gourd is very nutritious as it contains vitamins and minerals essential to the body
Skin Ointments for eczems are made from the juice of the leaves. It is low in fat and controls blood sugar levels
The flesh of the vegetable is used to prepare this dish and it tastes delicious!!

Ingredients to serve 4- 6 people

1-2 Cups Ridge Gourd (chopped)
1 inch piece tamarind
1 Dry Red Chilli
2 Tbs Oil
1 Tsp Mustard seeds
1 Tsp Urud dhal
1 Tsp Fenugreek seeds
¼ Tsp Black Peppercorn
Pinch of asafoetida
1 Tsp Salt

Peerkanaga Beerakaya Ridge Gourd Thogayal or  Pachadi or Chutney

Ridge Gourd Thogayal or Chutney

Preparation

Wash the ridge gourd thoroughly under running water. Peel the skin.
Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a small pan, add the mustard seeds
When the mustard seeds crackle, add the urud dhal, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, green chilli and the red chillies.
Fry till the urad dal turns golden brown
Stir through thechopped ridge gourd, cover and cook for 2 mins.
Add the chopped fresh mint and coriander leaves
Grind the above with salt and tamarind into a fine mixture

Heat the remainder of the oil in the pan, fold through the above mixture a couple of times
It is ready to be served!