Snake Gourd (Podalangai) Stir fry ( Masala Poriyal) - 2 Ways

September 11, hard not be melancholic on this day. Turn on the radio or TV and the stories still have the power to bring tears to the eyes.

On the other hand the changes that have happened in this country in the aftermath are enough to bring tears of frustration to even those who are not easily teary eyed. Everyday brings new news about the enormous powers the government has usurped in the name of homeland security violating ordinary people's rights and freedoms. Unless we are not all vigilant and watchful ..... , I leave it everyone for completion.

Snake Gourd Stir Fry with peanut powder

Now on to the recipe,
The entire gourd family (bottle,ridge,snake) were never my friends. The one exception being bitter gourd. After coming here where these vegetables were not readily available and starting to cook for myself the gourd family has slowly started to grow on me. The last to join the friendship was the bottle gourd. Anyway I grew a lot of snake gourd this summer and we have tried everything from stir fries to curries and chutneys and we are still not tired of eating them. Eating fresh has its own benefits. By far my most favorite way of eating them is as stir fries a bit spicy to counteract the natural sweetness of the snake gourd.

Snake Gourd fry with peanuts

Clean and cut the snake gourd into half moons. In a saute heat oil and add the seasonings followed by the onions and the sliced snake gourds.
Get the masala powder ready (peanut or coconut). Add to the cooked snake gourd along with salt. Take about 15 minutes or so for the snake gourd to cook but still maintain a crunch. (Add the cooked channa dal at this stage (not pictured - second recipe))
Mix the masala well into the vegetable, stir fry for another 3-4 minutes and turn off the heat.

I have two recipes in this post, one stir fry with powdered peanuts and the second one with channa dal and powdered coconut with spices. Both are equally good.

Snake Gourd Stir Fry with peanut powder

Snake Gourd Stir Fry - 2 ways
Preparation Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:20-25 minutes
Snake Gourd Stir Fry with peanuts
Ingredients

1. 2-3 Snake Gourd slit in half the seeds removed and sliced into half moons (as thick or thin as you want)
2. 1/4 cup sliced onions
3. 5-6 green chilies slit + 1 red chili (all red chilies can be used as well)
4. 2-3 tbsp roasted peanuts
5. seasonings: curry leaves, split urad dal, mustard seeds, cumin seeds
6. 2 tsp oil
7. salt to taste

Method

1. In a wide mouthed pan heat oil and add the urad dal first, when that browns add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, when mustard pops add the curry leaves followed by the onions and green chilies.
2. Powder the peanuts with the red chili and set aside.
3. Saute for a couple of minutes and add the sliced snake gourd and let it cook in medium heat till the snake gourd is cooked but still maintains a crunch. (About 15 minutes or so). Add salt.
4. Now add the powdered peanuts and mix it into the vegetable. Saute for another 3-4 minutes and turn off the heat.

Snake Gourd Stir Fry with Channa dal and coconut masala powder
Preparation Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:20-25 minutes
Ingredients

1. 2-3 Snake Gourd slit in half the seeds removed and sliced into half moons (as thick or thin as you want)
2. 1/4 cup sliced onions
3. 2 green chilies slit
4. 1/2 cup channa dal (kadalai paruppu)
5. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
6. seasonings: curry leaves, mustard seeds, cumin seeds
7. 2 tsp oil
8. salt to taste
For the masala powder
9. 3 tbsp of grated or fresh coconut
10. 1/2 tbsp coriander seeds
11. 1 tsp cumin seeds
12. 4-5 red chilies
13. a small piece of asfoetida

Method

1. In a skillet dry roast the items under 'Masala powder' all but the coconut till they turn slightly brown. Set aside. To the same pan add the coconut and roast till it starts to turn color. Set aside cool and make a slightly coarse powder. Coffee grinder or blender works.
2. Cook the channa dal in a pressure cooker or in a sauce pan just enough so the dal is cooked but maintains its shape.
3. In a wide mouthed pan heat oil add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, when mustard pops add the curry leaves followed by the onions and green chilies.
4. Saute for a couple of minutes and add the sliced snake gourd and let it cook in medium heat till the snake gourd is cooked but still maintains a crunch. (About 15 minutes or so). Add salt.
5. Add in the drained and cooked channa dal mix it into the snake gourd.
6. Now add the masala powder. Saute for another 3-4 minutes and turn off the heat.

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