Beerakaya Tomato Koora Recipe (Andhra Style Ridge Gourd Curry)
Beerakaya Tomato Koora is a traditional Andhra dish that beautifully marries the unique flavors of ridge gourd (also known as turai or peerkangai) with the tanginess of tomatoes and the aromatic spices that define South Indian cuisine. This delightful vegetarian curry is not only light but also bursting with taste, making it a perfect addition to your dinner table. Serve it alongside phulkas or steamed rice, and you’ve got a wholesome meal that can brighten any weekday.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ridge Gourd (Turai/Peerkangai) | 4, cut into cubes |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 3, ripe |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, roughly pounded |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon, powdered |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | ½ teaspoon, roasted and powdered |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon, powdered |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 5 sprigs, finely chopped for garnish |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 120 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Instructions
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Preparation of Ridge Gourd: Begin by thoroughly washing the ridge gourd to remove any dirt. Carefully scrape off the tough outer skin and cut the gourd into small, uniform cubes. Set these aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
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Tempering the Spices: In a large pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle until they pop, releasing their nutty aroma into the oil.
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Adding Aromatics: Quickly add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), followed by the curry leaves and the dry red chilli. Allow these to splutter and infuse the oil with their flavors.
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Sautéing Garlic and Onions: Using a pestle and mortar, roughly pound the garlic cloves to release their essence. Add the pounded garlic to the pan and sauté until it turns a lovely golden brown, ensuring that it doesn’t burn. Next, toss in the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, stirring occasionally.
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Incorporating Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped ripe tomatoes to the pan and sauté well until they soften. Now, it’s time to spice things up! Add the red chilli powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder, seasoning the mixture with salt. Continue to sauté until the oil starts to separate from the mixture, indicating that the spices have cooked through.
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Cooking Ridge Gourd: Introduce the cubed ridge gourd to the pan and mix it well with the spiced tomato mixture. Allow the ridge gourd to cook in its own juices for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the gourd to become tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
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Finishing Touches: Once the ridge gourd is cooked, sprinkle in the powdered jaggery, fennel seeds, and the roasted fenugreek seeds powder. Stir everything together and let the curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken beautifully.
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Garnishing: Finally, switch off the flame and garnish your Beerakaya Tomato Koora with finely chopped coriander leaves. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve the Beerakaya Tomato Koora hot alongside phulkas or steamed rice. For an extra touch, accompany the dish with Elai Vadam (a crispy rice accompaniment) for a delightful contrast in texture.
This Beerakaya Tomato Koora is not just a simple curry; it embodies the essence of Andhra cuisine with its bold flavors and comforting texture. Enjoy this dish as part of a larger meal or as a standalone dish that celebrates the rich heritage of Indian cooking. Let every bite transport you to the vibrant kitchens of Andhra, where love and tradition blend in every recipe!
