BEERAKAYA PACHADI - RIDGE GOURD (TURAI) CHUTNEY

Pachadi is a typical Andhra dish, usually made by grinding/blending cooked vegetables, tamarind and seasonings together.

Ingredients:

2 long beerakaya                                              
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp urad dal(Minapa pappu)
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds(menthi)
1tsp jeera
a pinch of hing
8 red chillies
Turmeric
Salt
3/4 tbsp tamarind paste

Preparation:

1. Take 2 long beerakayalu ()- lightly grate them removing only the ridges. Then wash thoroughly and grate in to a plate. Keep the gratings. Cut beerakai in to small pieces
2. Add 2 table spoons of oil to the pan, which is on medium flame.
3. To the hot oil add urad dal, mustard seeds. when urad dal turns red and mustard starts to splutter add- menthi seeds, jeera, hing and 8 red chillies.
4. Add beerakaya gratings and pieces to the seasoning along with salt and turmeric.
5. Let it cook for about 10 min on medium flame then add tamarind paste.
6. Cook it for 5 more minutes, when beerakaya is well cooked. Turn the stove off
7. Once it cools down, Grind it coarsely.