Ridge Gourd Recipe
Ridge gourd recipe perfectly encapsulates the magic of Indian and Pakistani cuisine, converting simple ingredients into a dish that's bursting with flavors and packed with health benefits. It's a beloved staple in households and a culinary delight that's worth exploring for anyone interested in the richness of Indian and Pakistani food traditions.
Ingredients
- ½ kg fesh ridge gourd (turai or tori)
- 125 grams onion
- 125 grams tomato
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp black cumin powder
- ½ cup cooking oil
- fresh coriander leaves and green chilies for garnishing
Instructions
Preparing the Ridge Gourd
- Start by washing the ridge gourd thoroughly under running water to remove dust or impurities.
- While peeling, do not peel off too much - remember, under its skin resides a horde of nutritional elements we don't want to lose.
- After peeling, chop it into circular pieces, and feel free to adjust the thickness to your liking.
Making the Masala
- Pour half a cup of cooking oil into the wok, and heat it slightly. Add 2 tsp of ginger-garlic paste. Sauté it lightly, ensuring the raw smell dissipates. Keep the flame low at this stage.
- Next, add finely chopped onions. Sauté these until tender. Remember, we aren't aiming for a golden-brown hue.
Adding Ridge Gourd and Spices
- At this stage, add the sliced ridge gourd and chopped tomatoes.
- Now let's spice things up with salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder.
- Give all the ingredients a good mix. Cover the wok and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat.Ridge gourd naturally releases water during cooking. This water is the secret ingredient that makes all the flavors blend perfectly.
Wrapping Up
- After about 18 minutes, unveil the wok. The water should have evaporated by this time, and the ridge gourd should be tender.
- Sprinkle ½ tsp of cumin powder over it for that extra kick of flavor. Sauté it for a minute more.You'll notice a wonderful aroma wafting from the dish at this stage. Now your delightful ridge gourd is ready to serve!
Garnishing and Serving
- Now comes the most exciting part: serving! Dish it out and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and sliced green chilies.A simple, nourishing, and utterly delicious ridge gourd curry is ready for you.Ridge gourd curry or turai ki sabji can be served with hot rotis or steamed rice. A side of tangy pickles or cooling yogurt can complement the dish perfectly.
