Beerakaya - Paalu koora ( Ridge gourd & Milk curry ) !

Again, this is one of my favorites that my mom cooks..but, I still wonder how this combination of Beerakaya (Ridge gourd) & Paalu (Milk) ever came up…whatever but this mellow recipe is a must to try…

Beerakaya - Paalu koora

Ingredients :

Ridge Gourd - 1 or 2 ( depends on the size)
Chopped Onion - 1/2 cup
Chopped green chili - 1 table spoon
Urad dal / cumino seeds / moon dal / split chickpea / mustard seeds (seasoning mix) - 1 table spoon
Red chili powder -1 table spoon
Turmeric powder - 1 tea spoon
Curry Leaves - 4 to 5
Boiled milk - 1/4 cup
Oil - 1 to 2 table spoons
Salt - As per the taste

Preparation :

- I used one big / long ridge gourd but if you are using medium sized, you might need 2 of them.
- Wash and slightly peel off the Ridge gourd & chop them into small pieces.

Beerakaya - Paalu koora

- Heat the oil in the pan and add the seasoning mix, once splutter add curry leaves, chopped onions & green chili and let them fry for few minutes.

Beerakaya - Paalu Koora

- Add the chopped Ridge Gourd pieces to the pan and give a quick stir, also add little salt which helps pieces to cook faster. Cover the pan with a lid and cook under low heat.

Beerakaya - Paalu Koora

- DON'T ADD EXTRA WATER, as the ridge gourd is a watery vegetable.

Beerakaya - Paalu Koora

- Once pieces are slightly cooked, add the red chili powder & turmeric powder, stir once and let it cook for few more minutes under low heat.

Beerakaya - Paalu Koora

- It might take 5 to 7 minutes, to cook completely,

Beerakaya - Paalu Koora

- Keep the heat to the lowest, add 1/4 cup of boiled milk to the curry and stir once & leave it to cook for another 5 minutes.

Beerakaya - Paalu koora

- Once done, turn off the heat..there it is..Beerakaya - Paalu Koora,

Beerakaya - Paalu Koora