BEERAKAYA PACHADI (RIDGE GOURD CHUTNEY)

Spill the Dal: Chutney Secrets Revealed!
For deeper flavor, slightly overcook the Beerakaya to soften it well before blending. Roasted peanuts can be used for a richer, creamier chutney base. Use garlic generously in tempering for a bold kick. Always cool ingredients before grinding to avoid sogginess. This chutney keeps well for a day when refrigerated and tastes even better after a few hours. Pair with ghee rice or dosa for a hearty twist!
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Step-by-Step Recipe : From Gourd to Gorgeous – The Chutney Journey
INGREDIENTS
Main:
- 2 chopped Beerakaya (Ridge Gourd)
- 1 tbsp roasted watermelon seeds (or peanuts)
- 1 tbsp urad dal
- 1 tsp chana dal
- 3 green chillies
- 1 dried red chilli
- 10 curry leaves
- 10 grams tamarind paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Tempering:
- 1 dried red chilli
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp chana dal
- 5 curry leaves
- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander

PREPARATION STEPS
1. **Frying the Ingredients:**
- Take a pan and heat 1 tbsp oil.
- Add 1 tsp chana dal, urad dal, green chillies, curry leaves, and the dried red chilli.
- Fry until the dals turn golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and let it cool.
2. **Cooking the Beerakaya:**
- In the same pan, add the chopped Beerakaya and salt.
- Cook until the Beerakaya is tender.
- Add turmeric powder and cook for another minute.
- Let it cool completely.
3. **Grinding the Ingredients:**
- In a blender, add the cooled fried chana dal mixture and roasted watermelon seeds (or peanuts).
- Grind into a fine powder.
- Add the cooked Beerakaya and tamarind paste to the blender.
- Grind coarsely to your desired consistency.
4. **Tempering:**
- In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp oil.
- Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chana dal, curry leaves, dried red chilli, and a pinch of hing.
- Fry until the chana dal turns golden brown.
- Add the chopped garlic and fry until it turns light brown.
- Pour this tempering over the chutney.
5. **Final Touch:**
- Garnish with chopped coriander.
- Mix well and serve.