Beerakaya Pachadi (Turai / Ridge Gourd Chutney – Andhra style)

Ingredients

• 2 medium size Ridge Gourd, peeled & chopped
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 3-4 garlic, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. roasted coriander powder
• handful coriander leaves
• 1 tsp. tamarind paste
• Tempering –
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 4-5 dry red chilies
• 1 tsp. urad dal
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida

Steps

1. Peel the ridge gourd and chop them. Heat oil in a wok / pan and temper with cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds. Then add the chopped garlic and green chilies. Sauté till light brown.
2. Add the Ridge Gourd and all the dry spices. Mix well & cook, covered till it is almost done. Add coriander leaves & tamarind paste. Sauté for a minute. Switch off the flame and keep aside to cool down. Then blend coarsely in a mixer grinder.
3. Heat oil & temper with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies & urad dal. Sauté for a few seconds. Then add the curry leaves & asafoetida. Switch off the flame. Pour this tempering over the Pachadi and mix well.
4. Serve with hot steamed rice, paratha or chapatti.