Stuffed Ridge Gourd (Turai/ Peerkangai) Recipe
A Flavorful North Indian Vegetarian Delight
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful vegetarian dish, the Stuffed Ridge Gourd (also known as Turai or Peerkangai) is a perfect choice. This savory, slightly tangy dish is a staple in North Indian homes, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors. The tender, hollowed-out ridge gourd is stuffed with a rich mixture of roasted peanuts, fresh coriander, and aromatic spices, then cooked to perfection. Paired with Tawa Paratha, Dal Palak, and Spinach Rice, this dish makes for a wholesome, comforting meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ridge Gourd (Turai/Peerkangai) | 1, peeled and cut into 2-inch cylindrical pieces |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (Chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Tomato (Chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Chilli (Chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 2 sprigs |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 cloves |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Lunch/Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ridge Gourd
Begin by peeling the skin off the ridge gourd. Once peeled, cut the gourd into 2-inch cylindrical pieces. Carefully slit each piece into 4 parts, ensuring that you donβt cut all the way through β the pieces should remain intact. This slit will act as the cavity for the stuffing. -
Make the Stuffing
In a blender, add the onion, tomato, roasted peanuts, green chili, garlic cloves, and cumin seeds. Grind everything together with a little water to make a smooth paste. Once ground, the paste should be thick but spreadable, ideal for stuffing the ridge gourd pieces. -
Stuff the Ridge Gourd
Take each slit ridge gourd piece and stuff it generously with the ground mixture. Press the stuffing down gently to ensure it fills the gourd completely. Set the stuffed ridge gourd aside for the moment. -
Cook the Stuffed Ridge Gourd
Heat a saucepan or a shallow frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle for about 10 seconds.Carefully place the stuffed ridge gourd pieces in the pan. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they do not stick to the pan and cook evenly on all sides.
-
Add the Paste and Simmer
Once the ridge gourd is slightly cooked, add the remaining ground paste to the pan. Add a little water to help create a sauce. Stir gently to coat the gourd pieces with the paste. Cover the pan with a lid and let the mixture simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the masala to reduce and thicken. Season with salt to taste and mix carefully, ensuring the stuffed gourd pieces remain intact. -
Serve
Once the stuffed ridge gourd is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove from the heat. Serve hot with Tawa Paratha, Dal Palak, and Spinach Rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chili depending on your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of garam masala for a richer flavor.
- Stuffing Variations: If you prefer, you can add a bit of grated coconut or dried coconut to the stuffing for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Cooking Method: If you’re looking to make this dish even more flavorful, try cooking the stuffed ridge gourd in ghee instead of oil for a richer taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 500 mg |
This Stuffed Ridge Gourd Recipe is an excellent example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful and satisfying dish. Its nutty stuffing and aromatic spices make it a must-try for anyone who loves authentic North Indian cuisine. Enjoy this delightful vegetarian dish with your loved ones for a wholesome meal packed with flavor and nutrition.
