Padwal Bhaji/Gourd Curry

Many people avoid the vegetable called Snake Gourd since the name gives an aversion in the mind. This vegetable grows to a length of more than 120 cm, it is slender and so, people started calling it as a snake gourd. But, look at the many nutritional benefits of this vegetable and you will get different ideas. If one does not like to call in that name, just call it as Padwal (Hindi) or Pudalangai (Tamil). But, do include it in your food intake. See the health benefits- It is one of the healthiest vegetable one can eat. The dietary fiber in this vegetable is extremely beneficial to the stomach. It has high amount of anti-oxidants which helps in cancer treatment, it reduces acidity, helps respiratory issues. It is a low calorie food. We can dwell on its health benefits more and more. We will see them in further postings of recipe made with this great vegetable. For the present, let us see how to make a mild curry (not very spicy) with this vegetable which one can serve with Roti, Chapatti or Rice as a side dish.

Ingredients:

Snake Gourd / Padwal / Pudalangai – 3 cups of cut pieces

Channa Dal (Bengal Gram) – 3 tbsp

Oil – 1 ½ tbsp

Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp

Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp

Curry Leaves – from 1 sprig

Green Chillies – 2 (slitted)

Onion – 1 (sliced)

Red Chilli Powder – ¼ tsp

Coriander Seed Powder – ½ tsp

Turmeric Powder – 1 pinch

Grated Coconut – 3 tbsp

Salt – to suit one’s taste

Method:

Rinse and soak Channa Dal in hot water for 30 minutes.

Scratch the outer surface of the Snake Gourd slightly and remove the outer surface lightly. Rinse the Snake Gourd. Cut into 2 to 3 pieces horizontally. Now, cut each piece vertically. Remove the seeds and pith and discard them. Now, cut the Snake Gourd into pieces. (You can decide the size of pieces as per your preference).

Heat the Oil in a pan. Add Mustard Seeds and Cumin Seeds. When they crackle, add Onion, Green Chillies and Curry Leaves. Sauté till the Onion become translucent. Add the soaked Dal and stir cook for few minutes. Add ¼ cup of water and simmer for a few minutes till the Channa Dal is cooked well.

Add the chopped Snake Gourd and cook for 4 to 5 minutes covered with a lid. Add Chilli Powder, Coriander Seed Powder, Turmeric and Salt. Simmer them for 5 to 6 minutes in low medium flame stirring in between.