Snake Gourd / Podalangai Curry

Preparation Time : 10 minutes
Cooking Time : 20 minutes
Serves : 2

Ingredients

Snake Gourd - 500 gms
Curry leaves - a few
Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp
Salt - To taste
Turmeric - a pinch
Grated Coconut - 3 tbsp
Oil - 2 tbsp
Mustard - 1 tsp
Red Chilli - 2 broken
Soda - a pinch(optional)

Procedure

1. Cut the edges, remove and discard the soft portion inside the snake gourd. Chop the snake gourd finely
2. In a kadai, heat oil on a medium flame
3. When the oil is hot, add the mustard, curry leaves, asafoetida and red chillies
4. Turn the flame to a simmer, add the chopped snake gourd, a pinch of turmeric, soda(if adding) and salt
5. Mix well, cover and cook on a simmer till the snake gourd is completely cooked and there is no water
6. Finally add the grated coconut, toss well and remove from flame.
7. Serve with sambar rice / rasam rice.

Note : The soda helps to retain the colour and helps the beans cook faster. However, you may choose not to add it.