Thokku-Inspired Snake Gourd Curry

 

 

 

 

 

The snake gourd I ate as a child was completely different from what we get now. These days, only the hybrid variety seems to be available, and it is not very tender and tastes just average. So I usually avoid this vegetable, but being a vegetarian, I feel I should try all kinds of veggies. To make this one more enjoyable, I experimented with a new masala combination. I must say it tasted almost like the vegetable had been tossed in ginger thokku, as the flavours were very similar with the thokku notes standing out prominently. For those who usually detest this vegetable, I can assure you that this curry will make you fall in love with it

 

 

 

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 INGREDIENTS TO GRIND IN RAW FORM :

 

COCONUT GRATINGS- 1 CUP

CHOPPED GINGER- 2 TSP

RED CHILLIES-3 NOS

MUSTARD- 1 TSP

TAMARIND- SMALL PIECE AS MARBLE

POWDERED JAGGERY- 1 1/2 TSP 

TURMERIC POWDER-1/4 TSP 

 

 OTHER INGREDIENTS :

 

SNAKE GOURD- 350 GRAMS

SALT TO TASTE

OIL- 4 TSP

WATER FOR BOILING 

ONIONS- 2 NOS

MUSTARD- 3/4 TSP

URAD DAL/ BLACK GRAM DAL 

SALT TO TASTE 

 

PROCEDURE :

 

1.In a mixer jar,take all the above cited ingredients and grind to paste using little water and keep it aside.

 

2.In a pan heat oil,splutter mustard seeds,urad  dal,curry leaves and add chopped onions,salt and saute till it turns translucent.

 

3.In another pan add two teaspoons of oil and heat it and saute chopped snake gourd for a couple of minutes.

 

4.Add water over the sauteed snake gourd pieces,salt and cook till the veggie softens.Drain the excess water if any. 

 

5.Add the softened veggie pieces over the sauteed onions.Now incorporate the ground paste too and saute till the raw smell of the paste evades. 

 

6.Switch off the stove and serve.