Chow Chow Curry Recipe – Chayote Squash Stir Fry
A South Indian Delight for Lunch: Healthy, Nutritious, and Simple!
Chow Chow Curry, also known as Chayote Squash Stir Fry, is a simple yet delightful South Indian dish that makes for a perfect lunch. This dish is a nourishing stir fry of the humble Chayote squash, seasoned with a flavorful blend of mustard seeds, white urad dal (split), and fresh curry leaves. The addition of turmeric, asafoetida (hing), and a hint of salt brings out the natural flavors and textures of the squash, making it a satisfying and wholesome dish.
Ideal for those looking for a quick, nutritious meal, Chow Chow Curry can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments like steamed rice, rasam, sambar, or curd rice. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Chow Chow Curry (Chayote Squash Stir Fry)
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chayote (Chow Chow), peeled and cubed | 2 medium |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves, finely chopped | 4 leaves |
| Oil | For cooking (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chow Chow
To begin making the Chow Chow Curry, we need to cook the Chayote until it becomes soft. This can be done by steaming or pressure cooking the vegetable. Here’s how:
- Pressure Cooking Method:
- Take the cubed Chayote pieces and place them into a pressure cooker.
- Add a pinch of salt and 3 tablespoons of water to the cooker.
- Close the lid, place the weight on, and cook for 3 whistles.
- Once the 3 whistles are done, turn off the heat and immediately place the pressure cooker under running water to release the pressure. This helps prevent overcooking the vegetable.
- Alternatively, you can steam the Chayote in a steamer until soft.
- Once cooked, set aside the Chayote and ensure it’s tender, but not mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning
In a separate sauté pan, heat the oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the following ingredients:
- Mustard Seeds – Add the mustard seeds to the hot oil. Let them crackle and pop for a few seconds.
- White Urad Dal – Next, add the split urad dal. Allow it to slightly golden. The dal adds a nice crunch to the dish.
- Curry Leaves – Add finely chopped curry leaves and stir them for a few seconds to release their fragrance.
- Turmeric Powder – Stir in the turmeric powder to give the curry its signature golden color.
- Asafoetida (Hing) – Add a pinch of asafoetida to the seasoning. This will add a unique earthy aroma to the dish, typical of many South Indian recipes.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Chow Chow
- Now, add the steamed or pressure-cooked Chayote pieces to the pan with the seasoning.
- Stir everything well on high heat for about 1 minute to combine the flavors. The Chayote should be coated with the seasoning evenly.
- Check the salt and adjust as per your taste preferences.
Step 4: Serve the Chow Chow Curry
Once the ingredients are well combined, turn off the heat. Transfer the Chow Chow Curry to a serving dish.
Serve hot with:
- Steamed Rice and Beetroot Sambar for a traditional South Indian meal.
- Rasam for a tangy accompaniment.
- Curd Rice, which is cooling and perfect for this spicy stir fry.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Approximate values, based on typical ingredients)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
Tips for the Best Chow Chow Curry
- Texture Matters: Be sure to not overcook the Chayote to maintain a pleasant, firm texture in the stir fry. Overcooking can turn the Chayote too mushy.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning based on your preference for spice levels. You can even add a dash of chili powder for a spicier version.
- Variations: Some people like to add grated coconut at the end for an extra layer of flavor. You can also substitute the oil with ghee for a richer taste.
- Accompaniments: Chow Chow Curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of South Indian dishes like sambar, rasam, and curd rice. Don’t forget to try it with some crispy papadam on the side!
This simple yet satisfying Chow Chow Curry brings the flavors of South India right to your kitchen. Try this recipe today for a nutritious, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!
