Ridge Gourd /Peerkangai Kootu

Ridge Gourd or Peerkangai is a very tender and versatile vegetable also referred to as turiya, turai or beerakai. Ridge gourd is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and has excellent blood purifying properties. Ridge Gourd Kootu is a yummy dish which goes great with rice.

What you need for Ridge Gourd /Peerkangai Kootu:

• Chana daal -1 cup
• Ridge   gourd -2 no
• Small onion - 6
• Garlic - 2 pods
• Cumin-1/2 tbsp
• Grated Coconut -3 tbsp 
• Green chilli - 2
• Red chilli - 2
• Curry leaves - few
• Turmeric powder -a pinch
• Mustard seed -1/2 tbsp
• Salt to taste

The Preparation Method:

• Peel the skin of ridge gourd and cut thinly length wise.
• Heat oil in a pan. Splutter mustard seed,fry chana dal , red chilli, small onion and curry leaves.Saute for a minute
• Add snake gourd ,salt and turmeric powder and mix well.
• In a blender , crush coconut ,2 shallots,green chilli,cumin and garlic.
• Add this mixture to Ridge gourd. Sprinkle some water if needed.
• Cook till the snake gourd is well cooked and switch off the flame.
• Tasty Ridge gourd koottu is ready to serve with rice.