Chichinda Ki Sabzi

Ingredients

• 400 gms snake gourd (chichinda/padwal), seeded and roughly chopped    
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1½ tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ¼ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 2-3 green chillies, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped 
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons scraped fresh coconut + for garnishing
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves
• Fresh coriander sprigs for garnish

Method

1. Heat ½ cup water in a non-stick pan, add salt and ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder and mix well.
2. Add snake gourd and mix well, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or till done.
3. Heat oil in another non-stick pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida and green chillies, mix and sauté well.
4. Add onion, mix and sauté till golden brown. Add tomato and salt, mix and sauté till soft and pulpy.
5. Add remaining turmeric powder and red chilli powder and mix well. Add ¼ cup water and mix, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked snake gourd and mix till well combined. Adjust salt and mix. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add sugar, coconut and coriander leaves and mix well.
8. Transfer into a serving bowl and serve hot garnished with coconut and coriander sprigs.