Podalangai Curry/Padavalkai Palya - Snake Gourd Curry

PODALANGAI CURRY/
PADAVALKAI PALYA  

Snake gourd is known as Podalangai in Tamil and Padavalkai in Kannada. Ayurveda and Naturopathy point out to the various health benefits of Snake gourd. Snake gourd is suitable for preparing delicious koottu, curry, morkuzhambu and other dishes. 

The addition of crushed pepper gives Podalangai curry / Padavalkai palya a special flavour. 

INGREDIENTS 

Snake gourd - 1 ( 4 cups when chopped )

Sesame oil - 1 tbsp

Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida -1 pinch

Peanuts - 2 tbsps

Coarsely crushed pepper - 1/2 tsp 

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp 

Curry leaves - a few 

Fresh coconut gratings - 2 tbsps 

Salt - 1/4 tsp

METHOD 

1. Chop the tender snake gourd into medium size pieces. 

2. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. 

3. When the mustard seeds splutter add asafoetida. 

4. Throw in the peanuts and fry till they crack. 

5. Add the crushed pepper followed by cumin seeds. 

6. When the fried pepper gives out a pleasant aroma , add the curry leaves, chopped snake gourd and salt. 

7. Stir well, cover with a lid and cook on low flame. The tender vegetable will cook in its own juice. 

8. Stir once in a while till the snake gourd becomes uniformly soft. 

9. Open the lid, increase heat and gently cook the curry till dry. 

10. Switch off flame and mix in the fresh coconut gratings. 

 Enjoy the juicy and peppery Podalangai Curry / Padavalkai Palya with your favourite meal.