Ridge Gourd Curry

Ridge gourd curry is a mild spicy dish. It is a coconut, onion and peanut based gravy. Ridge gourd is actually a fruit, but consumed as a vegetable. It has lots of health benefits, but it is not enjoyed by all. I never had this vegetable in my childhood. Recently, I tasted a similar curry at a restaurant and I really loved it. I thought of making an attempt to prepare it and here goes the recipe for the same.

Measurement: 1 Cup = 180 ml
Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1. Ridge gourd - 1/4 kg
2. Onion - 1 small (sliced), 1 medium (chopped)
3. Tomato (chopped) - 1 small
4. Garlic (chopped) - 6 to 8 cloves
5. Dry coconut (grated) - 1/2 cup
6. Peanuts (roasted & peeled) - 2 tbsp
7. Yogurt - 1 tsp (optional)
8. Cumin seeds - 1/3 tsp
9. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp 
10. Chilly powder - 1/2 tsp or as per your requirement
11. Refined oil - 1 1/2 tbsp
12. Coconut oil - 2 tsp
13. Salt to taste

Procedure:

• Wash ridge gourd, discard the ends, remove the ribs with a peeler, peel it lightly and cut into 1" long halves or quarters. 
• Heat refined oil in a pan and cumin seeds, add chopped onion and stir fry till translucent.
• Add garlic and stir fry further till onion turns golden brown.
• Add tomato and stir fry for half a min.
• Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and ridge gourd pieces and stir fry for half a minute.
• Add salt, 1/4 tsp chilly powder and a cup of water. Cook covered on medium flame. Remove the lid when half done, and let it cook uncovered.
• In the meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a kadai and add sliced onion. Stir fry till onion turns golden brown. 
• Now, add dry coconut and stir fry till coconut turns golden brown.
• Add roasted peanuts and stir fry for 5 seconds. 
• Dry grind these ingredients along with remaining turmeric powder and chilly powder.
• Add ground mixture to the cooked ridge gourd and stir well. 
• Add little more salt.
• Add yogurt and stir well. Simmer for 3 min.
• Serve hot with phulka, chapati or bhakri.