Snake Gourd with Curd (Potlakaaya Perugu Pacchadi)

South Indian Vegetarian Main Course Special

Andhra Cuisine

Snake Gourd with Curd (Potlakaaya Perugu Pacchadi)

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Snake Gourd (Padwal/Potlakaaya)- 5 Inch, Finely Chopped

Yoghurt (Dahi)- 1-½ Cup

Salt- To Taste 

Turmeric Powder (Haldi)- a Pinch

For Tempering:

Extra Light Olive Oil/Ghee/Olive Pomace Oil- 2 Tsp.

Mustard Seed (Rai/Sarson)- ½ Tsp.

Cumin Seed (Jeera)- ¼ Tsp.

Split Black Lentil (Urad Dal)- ¼ Tsp.

Dried Red Chillies- 1 to 2

Asafoetida (Hing)- a Pinch

Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)- 8 to 10

Green Chillies- 1 to 2, Chopped

Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania)- 1 Tbsp.

Method:

In a Bowl, Mix Curd, ¼ Cup Water, Turmeric Powder, Salt & Beat till a Smooth Consistency

Mix well & Keep Aside

In a Tempering Pan, Heat Ghee

Add Rai, Jeera, Urad Dal & Sauté till the Seeds Splutter & Dal changes Color to Light Red

Add Dried Red Chillies, Hing, Curry Leaves, Green Chillies, Snake Gourd & Mix Well

Cook on Medium Flame for about 8-10 Minutes or till the Snake Gourd pieces have turned Tender

When done, keep Aside to Cool Down

In the same Bowl, Add the Beaten Yoghurt & Combine Well

Garnish with Fresh Coriander Leaves

Served with Andhra Meal of Steamed Rice, Andhra Style Lentils (Pappu), Andhra Style Soup (Charu) or Vegetable Stew (Pulusu), Oora Mirapakayalu or Appadam, Set Curd
a Light Summery Andhra Meal usually has Cooling menu Items consisting of a Light Cleansing Soup, easy Summery Vegetable Preparation, can have Boiled Lentils, Buttermilk or Curd etc.

Tips:

Snake Gourd or Chinese Cucumber is a Laxative so is a Cooling Vegetable for , Diarrhea, Natural Antibiotic so is effective in Fever, Anti Inflammatory, Jaundice, Alopecia, Constipation etc.   

Feel free to share your views & do let us know how this one turned out :)