Peerkangai Thovayal(RidgeGourd Thogayal)

This is yet another great thovayal from my mom.Thovayal/Thogayal are like a thicker version of chutey.Whenever I feel difficult to cook for the afternoon, I will go for this one.It goes well with plain rice,curd rice and chapati.Ridge gourd is like little spongy and sweet in flavour,so have to make spicy by adding some green chilies.The recipe is quite simple and saves lot of your time. Here goes the recipe!!!

INGREDIENTS:

Ridge gourd - 1(medium size)
Cumin seeds - 1tsp
Chopped onion - 1/2cup
Sliced garlic cloves - 4
Tamarind - lemon size
Chopped green chili - 4
Channa dal - 4tsp
Cashews - 4
Coriander leaves

For seasoning:

Mustard seeds - 1tsp
Urad dal - 1tsp
Hing - 1/1tsp
Red chilies - 3
Curry leaves - 1spring

METHOD:

Cut the ridge gourd into small cubes.Heat oil in the pan fry tamarind,garlic,green chilies,cashews and Channa dal one by one.Drain them and keep aside.

Heat oil in another pan add mustard seeds,cumin seeds and allow them to sputter.Now add onions and let the onion cook till slight brown color.Add ridge gourd and cook for some more minutes.If necessary add some water, close the lid and cook for another 5 mins.

Let it cool and grind with the fried ones.Add very little water and grind into smooth mixture.Transfer into bowl and add salt for your taste.

For seasoning when the oil is hot add red chilies,mustard seeds,urad dal,hing and curry leaves.Garnish the coriander leaves on the top of the chutney and pour the seasoning.

Serve hot with rice or chapathi.