Ridge Gourd Tambli Recipe – Spicy Ridge Gourd in Coconut Curry
Ridge Gourd Tambli is a classic South Indian dish that offers a delightful combination of fresh ridge gourd (also known as turai or peerkangai) and a smooth, tangy coconut curry. Traditionally served as a cooling side dish, this tambli brings together the goodness of yogurt, fresh coconut, and aromatic spices. Often paired with steaming hot rice and a dollop of ghee, it makes for a hearty and wholesome main component in a South Indian meal. While ridge gourd is sometimes underestimated as a bland, fibrous vegetable, it is packed with numerous health benefits, making it a perfect addition to this delicious curry.
This recipe is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, providing both nourishment and comfort in every bite.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ridge Gourd (Turai/ Peerkangai) | 1, peeled and chopped into small pieces |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Green Chillies | 4, slit |
| Fresh Coconut | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup, preferably day-old and slightly sour |
| Salt | As required |
| Water | As needed, for adjusting consistency |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Calcium | 85 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ridge Gourd
To begin making the Ridge Gourd Tambli, peel the ridge gourd lightly and slice it into thin discs. Once sliced, chop each disc into 3-4 smaller pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ridge Gourd
In a wide pan, warm 1 teaspoon of ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves to the pan. Let the mustard seeds sputter and crackle before adding the chopped ridge gourd pieces. Toss the vegetable around in the pan for a few minutes to soften it.
Season with a pinch of salt and continue to cook on low heat. As the ridge gourd begins to soften, it will release some water. Cover the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the ridge gourd is completely tender and mushy. Set aside and let it cool down slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Curry Paste
In a large mixing bowl, add the curd (yogurt). Whisk it until smooth, adding a dash of water to help it blend easily. Set this aside for later.
In a small grinder or mixer jar, add the freshly grated coconut and a couple of tablespoons of the whisked yogurt. This will make it easier to grind the coconut into a smooth paste.
Next, in a tadka pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee. Drop the slit green chillies and asafoetida (hing) into the hot ghee. Sauté until the chillies are bruised and fragrant, releasing their aroma.
Add this tempering to the coconut and yogurt mixture in the grinder. Grind everything together into a smooth, thick paste. If needed, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Once the ridge gourd has cooled slightly, add it to the whisked yogurt and coconut mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly. Taste and adjust the salt as required.
Step 5: Serve
Ridge Gourd Tambli is now ready to be served! This refreshing dish is best enjoyed with a generous serving of hot steamed rice. To make it even more indulgent, top it off with a dollop of ghee for added richness.
Tips for Perfect Ridge Gourd Tambli
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Ridge Gourd Preparation: Ensure the ridge gourd is tender and well-cooked to avoid any fibrous texture in the final dish. You can slightly overcook the ridge gourd to get a mushy, creamy consistency that works beautifully with the coconut curry.
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Slightly Sour Yogurt: For an authentic tambli flavor, use yogurt that is slightly sour (preferably a day-old). This enhances the tanginess of the dish, balancing the richness of the coconut.
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Adjusting Spice Levels: You can control the heat level of this dish by adjusting the number of green chillies used. If you prefer a milder version, use fewer chillies or remove the seeds before adding them to the tempering.
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Serving Suggestions: While traditionally served with rice, this tambli can also be paired with other South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, or even chapati.
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Storage: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. If needed, add a little water to adjust the consistency when reheating.
Why You Should Try Ridge Gourd Tambli
Ridge gourd, often overlooked due to its subtle taste and somewhat fibrous texture, is an incredibly nutritious vegetable. It is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. When combined with coconut and yogurt, it not only gains a lovely texture but also a delightful flavor profile that balances spicy, tangy, and savory notes.
Whether you’re preparing a simple meal for yourself or a comforting dish for the family, Ridge Gourd Tambli is an easy and delicious choice that embodies the essence of South Indian home cooking. Try it today for a wholesome, hearty dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying!
