Ridge Gourd with Besan Fritters
Cook Time
1 Hour
Level
Medium
Yield
4-5
Freshly made fritters are widely used in Indian curries especailly one’s made with besan flour. Ridge gourd is cooked in tempered oil till soft and then the deep fried besan fritters are tossed in along with various spices for texture and taste. Ridge gourd fritters curry makes a huge amount even with very small quantities of vegetable at hand. These are finished with freshly grated coconut and cilantro.
Ingredients for Ridge Gourd with Besan Fritters :
- Ridge Gourd
- 2 Green Chillies
- 1 tbsp Roasted Peanuts
- 1/2 tsp Roasted Coriander Powder
- 1/4 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
- 1/2 Cup Besan
- 1 1/4 tsp Red Chile Powder
- 1 tbsp Fresh / Frozen Grated Coconut
- Soda- a small pinch
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable Oil
- Assorted Ingredients-
- Cumin Seeds 1/4 tsp
- Mustard Seeds 1/4 tsp
- Curry Leaves
- A Pinch of roasted fenugreek seeds powder
Method to prepare Ridge Gourd with Besan Fritters :
Remove stems, wash and slice the green chiles.
Wash, peel, remove ends and chop ridge gourd into small-sized pieces.
Mix besan / chickpea flour, a tsp of red chile powder, soda and salt into lump less smooth thick batter using enough water.
Heat oil for deep frying on medium high heat.
When oil gets medium hot, carefully drop the prepared besan batter with the help of a small spoon.
Alternatively, take batter into cupped fingers and slowly rub the fingers to drop small quantities of batter into hot oil.
Fry the fritters till golden brown, remove from heat and break large chunks into small pieces if required.
Repeat the same with any remaining besan batter.
Heat a tsp of oil in a pan, add all assorted ingredients in order along with green chiles.
When mustard seeds start spluttering, add chopped ridge gourd and salt.
Cook covered for a minute or two until ridge gourd pieces turn soft holding its shape.
Stir in deep fried fritters, peanuts, remaining red chile powder, coriander powder and cumin powder.
Sprinkle a tbsp or two of water to soften the fritters a bit and fry for a minute or two. Then stir in grated fresh coconut and give it a quick stir.
Serve ridge gourd with besan fritters curry over plain steamed rice.
