Yellow Cucumber Pachadi (Recipe in English)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Yellow Cucumber Pachadi is a refreshing and tangy South Indian side dish made with fresh yellow cucumber, tempered with a flavorful mix of spices and tamarind. It’s typically served alongside rice dishes like Mixed Vegetable Sambar and chapatis. The slight sweetness of cucumber, balanced with the spice and tang, makes this dish a perfect accompaniment for any Indian meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Cucumber | 1 (peeled and finely chopped) |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Lentils (Masoor Dal) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Red Chilies | 5 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tamarind | 2 small pieces |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Preparation of the Cucumber:
Begin by thoroughly washing the yellow cucumber. Peel the cucumber and chop it into fine pieces. -
Tempering the Spices:
Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and red lentils. Let them cook for about 1 minute until the lentils turn golden and the spices start releasing their aroma. -
Adding Dry Red Chilies and Asafoetida:
Add the dried red chilies and asafoetida (hing) to the pan. Stir and let it cook for another 30 seconds. Once done, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down. -
Blending the Spice Mix:
In a blender, add half of the tempered spice mixture, salt, turmeric powder, and tamarind pieces. Blend everything together until it forms a smooth paste. -
Mixing the Pachadi:
Now, in a bowl, combine the chopped cucumber with the blended spice paste and the remaining tempering. Mix everything well, ensuring the cucumber is coated evenly with the spices. -
Serving:
Serve the Yellow Cucumber Pachadi chilled or at room temperature with mixed vegetable sambar and chapatis for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Yellow Cucumber Pachadi is best served with mixed vegetable sambar, rice, or chapatis for a wholesome, flavorful meal. Its tangy taste pairs wonderfully with spicy curries or grilled meats, making it a versatile side dish that complements a variety of Indian dishes.
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this simple yet satisfying side dish, and let the natural crunch of cucumber add a delightful texture to your meal!
