PuLi Koddel- Ash Gourd Curry

Ashgourd (or KohLa in Marathi) is a big gourd and is generally available in the pre-cut wedges form at our local Indian stores. I meant to try this koddel from a long time, finally when mom was here during summer, she made it for us.

PuLi Koddel

Ingredients

2 cups Ashgourd, peeled & chopped into big chunks

Salt to taste

1 tbsp jaggery

Tempering 1

1 tsp oil

1 sprig curry leaves

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 tsp mustard seeds

1 cup water

Grind to fine paste

3/4 cup fresh coconut

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds, roasted in a few drops of oil

1 tbsp urad daal, roasted in a few drops of oil

1 tbsp coriander seeds, roasted in a few drops of oil

7-9 byadgi chilies, roasted in a few drops of oil

1 tbsp sesame seeds, roasted in a few drops of oil

1 tbsp tamarind pulp

Tempering 2

2 tsp oil

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp urad daal

2 sprigs curry leaves, torn

Method

1. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add tempering 1 except water. Stir in ashgourd chunks. Saute for 1 minute. Add water. Cover with a lid. Let it cook till the gourd is soft.

2. Grind the masala according to the instructions.

3. When the gourd is cooked, add ground masala and 1/2 cup water to adjust the consistency of the curry.

4. Add salt, jaggery and bring to boil

5. Heat oil in a small saucepan. Add tempering 2.

6. Add sizzling oil in the simmering curry. Switch off the gas and cover with the lid immediately.

7. Serve with plain rice.