Tamil Nadu Style Sorakkai Poriyal – Spicy Dry Bottle Gourd Stir-Fry

Description
Tamil Nadu Style Sorakkai Poriyal is a simple and wholesome dry vegetable dish that can be prepared in no time. Made with bottle gourd (lauki), this recipe combines basic Indian spices and freshly grated coconut for a delicious and authentic South Indian flavor. Serve Tamil Nadu Style Sorakkai Poriyal alongside Tomato Onion Sambar and steamed rice for a complete meal.

Recipe Details

Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Bottle Gourd (Lauki)	1 medium-sized, peeled and diced
Turmeric Powder	½ teaspoon
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder	½ teaspoon
Salt	To taste
For Tempering
Oil	1 teaspoon
Mustard Seeds (Rai)	½ teaspoon
Dry Red Chili	1, broken into pieces
Split White Urad Dal	1 teaspoon
Curry Leaves	1 sprig
For Garnish
Freshly Grated Coconut	2 teaspoons

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Approx. Value
Calories	80 kcal
Carbohydrates	12 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	3 g
Fiber	3 g

Instructions

Step	Process
1	Peel and dice the bottle gourd into small cubes. In a pressure cooker, add the diced bottle gourd, a little water, and salt. Cook for 1 whistle and let the pressure release naturally. Drain any excess water.
2	Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the dry red chili and curry leaves. Sauté for 10 seconds.
3	Add the split urad dal and sauté until the dal turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
4	Add the cooked bottle gourd to the pan. Sprinkle turmeric powder and Kashmiri red chili powder over it. Mix well to coat the gourd pieces with the spices.
5	Finally, add freshly grated coconut. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 2–3 minutes on low heat to let the flavors combine.
6	Remove from heat and transfer the Sorakkai Poriyal to a serving dish.
7	Serve hot with Tomato Onion Sambar and steamed rice for a comforting South Indian meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Sorakkai Poriyal with Tomato Onion Sambar or Rasam and hot steamed rice for a traditional Tamil Nadu-style meal.
You can also enjoy this dish as a side with chapati or dosa for a light lunch or dinner option.

Pro Tips

Ensure the bottle gourd is fresh and tender for the best taste.
Do not overcook the gourd in the pressure cooker; one whistle is sufficient to retain its texture.
Freshly grated coconut is key to authentic flavor; avoid using desiccated coconut if possible.

Enjoy the taste of Tamil Nadu in every bite with this simple and flavorful Sorakkai Poriyal recipe!