Ash Gourd Gravy with Coconut Paste and Curd

வெண்/சாம்பல் பூசணிக்காய் அவியல் 

This aviyal one easy dish made with ash gourd. the ash gourd has load of nutrients. the ash gourd has very cooling effect on our body. hence can be consumed quite frequently during summers. it also has lots of healing properties therefore
can be eaten once a week regularly. we make sambar, curry, koottu and moru kuzhambu with ash gourds. the best way to consume is as salad with salt and pepper sprinkled on it. drinking the juice of this ash gourd in the mornings brings down the abnormal body heat. 

i make sure that i use ash gourd in cooking at least once a week. today i made light and flavourful poosanilkai aviyal that is ash gourd in coconut paste and curd. 

Ingredients:

• ash gourd - 500 grams
• coconut gratings - 4 tablespoons
• green chillies - 3
• cumin seeds - 1/4 teaspoon
• curd 1/2 cup
• coconut oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida and dry red chillies for tempering
• salt
• water

Procedure:

• peel the ash gourd and cut it into cubes and keep ready.
• take a kadai and add the ash gourd, little salt and little water, say 1/2 cup and cook covered in medium heat till the vegetable becomes translucent. this takes approximately 10 minutes.
• now make a paste of coconut, green chillies and cumin seeds and add to this cooked ash gourd.
• stir and let the excess water evaporate and reach your required consistency.
• the aviyal should already smell awesome.
• now do the tempering and transfer it to this aviyal.
• turn off the stove. after 5 minutes add the thick beaten curd to this and give a final stir.
• the aviyal smells absolutely delicious with the tempering in coconut oil and curry leaves.

the simple yet delicious ash gourd aviyal is ready to be served with your favourite main dish like rice or roti.

Happy cooking !!