Peerkangai Thogayal Recipe: A South Indian Delight
Peerkangai Thogayal, also known as Ridge Gourd Chutney, is a flavorful and healthy South Indian side dish that perfectly complements rice and various curries. This vibrant, aromatic chutney brings together the goodness of ridge gourd (turai), coconut, and the unique flavors of tempered spices. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients for Peerkangai Thogayal
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ridge Gourd (Turai) | 1 medium |
Split Urad Dal | 1 tsp |
Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) | 1 tsp |
Green Chili | 1, finely chopped |
Mustard Seeds (Rai) | ½ tsp |
Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
Turmeric Powder | ¼ tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Fresh Coconut (grated) | 2 tsp |
Tamarind Paste | ½ tsp |
Oil | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions to Make Peerkangai Thogayal
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Prepare the Ridge Gourd: Begin by washing the ridge gourd thoroughly. Peel the outer skin and cut the gourd into small pieces. Set it aside.
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Tempering the Spices: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), followed by the chana dal and urad dal. Cook these dals until they turn golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Cook the Ridge Gourd: Now, add the chopped ridge gourd pieces, salt, and turmeric powder to the pan. Mix everything well and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the ridge gourd to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes soft and tender.
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Final Stir: After the ridge gourd has softened, open the lid and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. Turn off the heat and set the mixture aside to cool for a few minutes.
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Grind the Mixture: Once the mixture has cooled, add the grated fresh coconut and tamarind paste. Mix everything well. Transfer this mixture into a mixer or blender and grind it into a coarse paste. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if needed.
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Serve: Transfer the Peerkangai Thogayal into a serving bowl. This chutney pairs beautifully with steamed rice, cumin rasam, papad, and masala chaas for a complete South Indian meal.
Tips for the Perfect Peerkangai Thogayal
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a smooth chutney, grind the mixture a bit more finely. For a more textured version, pulse it a few times for a coarser consistency.
- Tamarind Substitute: If tamarind paste is unavailable, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Vegan Variation: This dish is naturally vegetarian, and you can make it vegan by ensuring the use of oil instead of ghee.
Peerkangai Thogayal is not only a delightful addition to your meal but also packs in the nutritional benefits of ridge gourd, known for being high in fiber and low in calories. It is perfect for anyone seeking a light yet flavorful dish to enjoy with their lunch or dinner. Enjoy this South Indian treasure as a side to your favorite curries or simply with warm rice!