Chow Chow Curry Recipe: A Healthy and Simple South Indian Delight
Chow Chow Curry is a nutritious and easy-to-make South Indian dish that brings together the goodness of chow chow (also known as chayote) with the rich flavors of mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. This vibrant vegetable curry is perfect for any meal and can be packed into lunch boxes as well. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this comforting curry that pairs perfectly with rice, sambar, and papad.
Ingredients for Chow Chow Curry
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chow Chow (Chayote) | 2, peeled and chopped |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | ½ tsp |
| White Urad Dal (Urad) | ½ tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ¼ tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | ¼ tsp |
| Curry Leaves | 4, finely chopped |
| Oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: South Indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chow Chow:
Begin by peeling the chow chow and chopping it into small pieces. This vegetable is light and easily absorbs the spices, so cutting it into uniform pieces ensures an even cook. -
Cook the Chow Chow:
In a pressure cooker, add the chopped chow chow along with salt and about 3 tablespoons of water. Secure the lid and cook for 3 whistles. Once the cooker releases pressure, let it cool under running cold water to safely open the lid. Set the cooked chow chow aside. -
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and urad dal, cooking them until the dal turns golden brown and the mustard seeds begin to pop. This gives the curry its signature flavor base. -
Add Spices and Curry Leaves:
To the tempering, add the finely chopped curry leaves, turmeric powder, and asafoetida (hing). Sauté these ingredients for a minute to release their fragrant aromas. -
Combine the Chow Chow:
Add the cooked chow chow to the pan and stir gently to mix everything together. Let the curry cook for another minute so the spices can blend into the chow chow. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Turn off the heat, and your flavorful chow chow curry is ready to serve. This dish pairs beautifully with hot rice, a bowl of tangy sambar, and crispy papad on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chow Chow Curry as a main dish along with rice, sambar, and papad. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also pack it in your lunch box for a tasty, healthy option on the go.
This simple, hearty curry is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. The combination of curry leaves, mustard seeds, and urad dal gives it a delicious, authentic South Indian taste that everyone will love!
