10) SNAKE GOURD SEED NUGGETS

SNAKE GOURD SEED NUGGETS

A TASTY SAVORY SNACK SO ENTICING, CHILDREN OFTEN FIGHT OVER IT!

Ingredients:

     1)    Tender snake gourd core with seeds – 200 gm.

     2)    Red chili powder – ½ tea spoon

     3)    Asafoetida powder – 1 pinch

     4)    Turmeric powder – ¼ tea spoon

     5)    Rice powder or wheat semolina (Not too coarse) – 100 gm.

     6)    Salt to taste

To Cook:

          Select 2 medium size medium tender snake gourds. If the snake gourd is too ripe, the seeds will be hard and chewy. On the other hand, if the snake gourd is too tender, the seeds will be watery and will soak up too much oil.

To test for the right ripeness, press your finger nail against the snake gourd. It should go in without too much resistance. If it is fibery, the seeds will be too hard and inedible.

          Split the snake gourd and take out the spongy core with the seeds and put in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients. Knead softly. Taste and check on the seasoning. Since the content of water in the core differs from gourd to gourd, it is better to see if the mix is of the right consistency. If it feels too watery, add a little more rice flour or semolina which will soak up the excess water.

          Put a small pan of cooking oil on the stove. Now make little balls of the mix and flatten them a bit with your palms. Release in hot oil. When the pan is full, turn down the heat o allow the seeds to cook well. When the bubbles become lesser, it is time to lift the nuggets from the pan. Drain the excess oil from the nuggets. The nuggets will be crisp on the outside and soft and crunchy on the inside. Serve hot.

Enjoy!!!

Note:

          Do not throw away the snake gourd pieces.  Use them to make delicious “Toran” (Snake Gourd Toran recipe is given separately).