Poosanikai Rasavangi Recipe – Ash Gourd Curry with Dal
Poosanikai Rasavangi, a traditional and aromatic dish from Tamil Nadu, offers a perfect balance of flavors with its delicate combination of ash gourd, dals, tamarind, and freshly ground spices. A wonderful vegetarian option for a wholesome lunch, this curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a side of poriyal (vegetable stir-fry). Known for its comforting and slightly tangy taste, Poosanikai Rasavangi is not only easy to prepare but also a nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vellai Poosanikai (Ash Gourd/White Pumpkin), diced | 1 1/2 cups |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| Tamarind | 20 grams (lemon-sized) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | As per taste |
| To roast and grind: | |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chillies | 5 |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Tamarind: Begin by soaking the tamarind in warm water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After soaking, extract the pulp and set it aside for later use.
-
Cook the Ash Gourd and Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed yellow moong dal, chana dal, diced ash gourd pieces, tamarind extract, salt, turmeric powder, and about 2 cups of water (or enough to cover the ingredients). Pressure cook for 3 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Prepare the Spices: In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add chana dal, urad dal, dry red chillies, and coriander seeds. Roast them until the spices become aromatic and begin to brown. Add the grated coconut to the pan and roast everything together until the coconut turns golden brown. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
-
Grind the Spices: Once the coconut and spices have cooled, grind them into a fine powder using a mixer or spice grinder. Set aside.
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Combine the Dal and Ground Spices: After the pressure has been released from the cooker, open the lid and stir the cooked dal and ash gourd mixture. Add the ground spices and coconut to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
-
Temper the Rasavangi: In a small tempering pan (tadka pan), heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them sputter. When the mustard seeds crackle, add the white urad dal and curry leaves. Saute the ingredients until the urad dal turns golden brown.
-
Final Touch: Pour this tempering over the prepared ash gourd and dal mixture. Stir gently to mix the tempering into the curry.
-
Serve: Poosanikai Rasavangi is now ready to be served. Serve this aromatic and tangy curry with steamed rice, Carrot and Beans Poriyal (vegetable stir-fry), and a side of Elai Vadam for a complete South Indian-style meal.
Tips & Variations
- You can adjust the amount of tamarind based on your preferred tanginess level.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the number of dry red chillies used in roasting the spices.
- For added richness, a dash of coconut oil can be used for tempering instead of regular cooking oil.
- You can also try adding a few drops of ghee for a traditional finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
Poosanikai Rasavangi is not only a flavorful dish but also a healthy choice, packed with protein and fiber from the dals, while the ash gourd adds a refreshing texture. Perfect for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal, this dish embodies the essence of Tamil Nadu’s vibrant culinary culture.
Indulge in the delicious, nutrient-packed goodness of Poosanikai Rasavangi today, and enjoy a true taste of South India in the comfort of your home!
