Ash-Gourd Bhaji

This simple Ash-Gourd Bhaji is a quick side with white pumpkin (winter melon). This South Indian curry is easy to digest and low in calories as ash-gourd has a high water content and some fiber. This is a great curry for weight-loss menus.

Servings: 2
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups, ash-gourd, cut into cubes or long, 1-inch pieces
• 1-2 tbps cilantro, finely chopped

For Seasoning

• 4-5 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Asafoetida powder (hing), a pinch
• 2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
• 1-2 red chillies, broken into a few pieces (adjust to taste)
• Turmeric powder, a pinch
• 4-5 curry leaves

Preparation

1. Heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the mustard seeds and as they start to pop, add the asafoetida powder, green and red chillies, and fry for a few seconds. Add the curry leaves and turmeric powder and the ash-gourd pieces.
2. Stir-fry on medium-high heat for 1 minute.
3. Add salt, stir, and cover and let it cook in it’s own juices on medium heat until tender (until ash-gourd is almost tranlucent). Stir frequently to make sure the pieces don’t get burnt.
4. Stir in the cilantro and serve the ash-gourd bhaji hot, with rice or roti.

Cooking Tip

You can increase the heat to high and stir-fry to evaporate any excess water or leave it as it is.

Category: Vegan Vegetables - Members, Vegetables - Members, Vegetables - No-Onion No-Garlic - Members