Ridge gourd Gravy - Peerkangai Gravy

Serves 3
If like me, you are also bored of pairing up ridge gourd with dhal you would love this:-) My mom adds ridge gourd to a prawn gravy and it tastes absolutely yum.I had a few ridge gourds lying around and din't feel like making another dhal preparation with it ,so made this easy dish instead.This is a very mild and flavorful dish.Tastes great as a side dish with dosas or rotis. But tastes best when you have it with plain cooked rice and a dollop of Ghee :-)

You'll need:
Ridge gourd - 2 big ones
Onion - 1/2 a medium one
Tomato - 1/2 a medium one(chopped)
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Oil - 2 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1/2 - 3/4 tsp
Fennel powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
Thick coconut milk - 2 tbsp
Salt as needed
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Coriander leaves - 2 - 3 sprigs(chopped finely)




Method:
-Clean the ridge gourd and peel the skin.You can preserve the skin to make a chutney.Chop it into medium sized pieces.Chop the onions lengthwise into thin slices.
-To a pressure cooker add the chopped Ridge gourd,little salt and 1/2 a cup of water.Pressure cook for 1 whistle and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
-Add oil in a pan,when it heats up splutter the mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add the onions and some salt.Saute until the onions are slightly browned.
-Add the Tomatoes and mix well,add the cumin powder,chilli powder,turmeric powder,coriander powder and fennel powder.Mix well.Cover and cook on a low flame for 4 - 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are well cooked and the mixture oozes out oil.
-Add the cooked ridge gourd along with the water and the coriander leaves.Mix well,check for salt.Let it boil until all the water evaporates and the mixture becomes dry.
-Add the coconut milk and mix well.Let it boil for 3-4 minutes.Done !

                                              Thanks for stopping by.Happy Cooking !