Mangalore Cucumber - Ivy Gourd Curry

Southekai/Mangalore Cucumber/Sambar Cucumber/Bannada Soiuthekai is one of the wonderful vegetable. Varieties of curries, dosa, idli can be prepared using Mangalore

Cucumber.

I have tried a curry which can be turned as curd curry or if you do not like curd you can just have them as they are. It is mild, creamy and healthy.
Let us see some benefits of having " Ivy Gourd/Tonde Kai" in our diet.
Ivy Gourd/Tonde kai/kovekai/Tindli/Tindura helps you to be fit, healthy and energetic. It is said to be the store house of Vitamins and minerals. It has protein and fibers, antioxidants. It has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as an anti bacterial agent. It helps to protect the nervous system and promotes the metabolism in the body. It helps to control blood sugar in our body. Ivy gourd contain good amount of calcium and it helps in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. it strengthen the bones, improve the immune system and promotes the digestive health in our body.
Mangalore cucumber -Ivy Gourd Curry is an easy dish and it has no onions or garlic in it.

Things Needed :

Mangalore Southekai : 1/2
Ivy Gourd/Tondekai : 250 Grams
Green chilly : 2
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Mustard Seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon
Almonds/Badams : 6 to 8
Coconut : 3 to 4 Tablespoons
Salt : As Required
Mustard seasoning : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8
Ingh/Asafoetida : A pinch
Curry Leaves : 1 Tablespoon (small cut)
Coconut Oil/Ghee/Any cooking oil : 1 Teaspoon

Method :

1. Wash and cut Mangalore Southekai into small pieces. Put them in a bowl of water.

2. Wash and remove the edges (both sides) from Ivy gourd and cut them into small circle shape.
3. Cook them with required water till they turn soft. (10 minutes).

4. Grate/Cut coconut and grind it with jeera, mustard seeds, 1 green chilly and almonds.
5. Use only required water. Remove from the mixi jar.

6. Keep a big pan on the fire. Put cooked vegetables, ground mixture, salt and a pinch of turmeric powder.
7. Mix it well and let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Slit a green chilly while the curry is boiling.

8. Shift the curry to a serving dish and Let it cool a bit.
9. Add 2 tablespoons of curd and mix it well. Add mustard-jeera, ingh and curry leaves seasoning.

9. Serve with the main dish you have prepared.

Note :

Adding  tamarind instead of curd is optional. (Taste nice). Adding more/less chilly is also optional. Adding almonds add to the thickness. You can also add chenna (roasted channa) instead of Almonds.
Do not use more water while grinding or boiling. The curry should be thick (It taste better).
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4.

Ground Nuts Chutney

Groundnuts Chutney is a side dish and goes well with almost all the main dish.

Watch the procedure it is simple and quick.

Groundnuts are loved by most of us. Ground Nuts are widely grown and used in our cooking. Ground Nuts are loaded with many healthy properties.

Let us see some benefits of eating Ground Nuts in our diet.

They are rich in nutrients which are essential for our body. They are loaded with fiber, protein, minerals, mono unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants.They help to lower the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol levels in our body. Ground Nuts helps for the good growth of the body. It protects the skin. They contain minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc and Vitamin B complex, Vitamin B 6 and Vitamin B 9.

Lets see the recipe now : 

Things Needed : 

Ground Nuts : 2 Tablespoons

Fresh Coconut : 1 Cup

Tamarind : 1/ Marble size

Green chilly : 2

Salt : As required

Seasoning : 

Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon

Ingh/Asafoetida : A pinch

Curry Leaves : 5 to 6 

Oil : 1 Teaspoon

Method :

1. Dry roast ground nuts and leave it for cooling. Remove the outer skin. 

2. Grate coconut and grind it with tamarind (very little), salt, roasted ground nuts and green chilly.

3. Shift the ground chutney to a serving dish and add required water.

4. Season with mustard, curry leaves and ingh seasoning.

5. Ground Nut chutney is ready to serve. 

Note :

Use very little water to grind. Or it turns as watery chutney. Adding chilly more/less is optional.

Add required water once you shift the chutney to a serving bowl. Use of fresh coconut taste good.

 Time : 10 Minutes

Serves : 2 to 3.