Bethica's Kitchen Flavours: Bottle Gourd & Green Peas in Yoghurt Gravy

Bottle Gourd is a healthy veggie that has high water content and is a rich source of essential vitamins and calcium. It can be made use of in making many varieties of dishes. It is generally not preferred by many, but this combination with green peas turned out real yummy with a creamy texture from the yoghurt. It can be relished as a side dish with either rice or chapati for a perfect healthy meal. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

1 medium size bottle gourd, chopped
1/2 cup green peas (I used frozen ones)
2 tbsp. oil
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1/4 tsp. asafoetida
1 tsp. ginger, grated
1-2 green chilies, chopped
1 onion, sliced
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
1 tsp. kasuri methi, crushed
1 tbsp. coriander powder
1 tsp. cumin powder
1/2 tsp. red chili powder or to taste
1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
salt to taste
1 cup yoghurt, beaten
1-2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped

Steam the chopped bottle gourd and green peas (if using fresh ones) till soft. Keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan. Temper with cumin seeds, mustard seeds and asafoetida.

Add the green chilies and ginger. Sauté for a few seconds. Now add the onion and stir fry till light brown.

Add all the dry spices (except salt and garam masala powder). Give it a stir. Add the steamed bottle gourd, green peas, salt and garam masala powder.

Mix everything well and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Switch off the flame. Now add the beaten yogurt and coriander leaves. Mix well and enjoy either with rice or chapati for a healthy meal.