9) SNAKE GOURD TORAN

SNAKE GOURD TORAN
A TASTY DISH OF SNAKE GOURD, CHICK PEA LENTILS AND COCONUT

Ingredients:

     1)    Tender snake gourd – 2 Nos.

     2)    Chick pea lentils – 100 gm.

     3)    Chili powder – ½ tea spoon

     4)    Turmeric powder – ½ tea spoon

     5)    Mustard seeds – 1 tea spoon

     6)    Coconut – ½

     7)    Curry leaves – 2 sprigs

     8)    Black gram lentils without their skins (urud dal) – 2 tea spoons

     9)    Coconut oil or other cooking oil – 40 ml.

     10)     Salt to taste

To Cook:

          Hold your knife in a cutting position on the snake gourd and scrape off the thin outer skin all around. Split open the gourd and remove the core with the seeds. Do not throw away the core but keep it aside to make a delicious savory snack which I call snake gourd seed nuggets (recipe given separately.)

          Now, cut the snake gourd into 4 long strips and slice them into pieces of around ½ cm. thickness.

          Wash the chick pea lentils and tip them in a small pressure cooker. Pour 250 ml. of water and put on the stove. When you hear the first whistle, switch off the heat and allow to cool naturally. Take the coconut half, scrape finely and set aside. Place a wok on the stove. Pour the coconut oil and tip in the mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds are about to finish spluttering, turn the heat to minimum and chuck in the black gram lentils. When the lentils start to brown, add the chick pea lentils. Check whether the chick pea lentils are cooked. Simmer for a while if necessary. Let the excess water evaporate. Now, add the snake gourd. Then put in the chili powder, turmeric powder and a little salt. Stir and cover the wok with a cloche. Stir every 2 to 3 minutes and cover till the snake gourd is cooked.

          Now add the scraped coconut and stir for a minute. Taste to check the seasoning. Switch off the heat.

          Your Snake Gourd Toran is now ready to enjoy. You can also use it as a side dish for anything.