Ridge gourd / peechinka chammandi

A very tasty accompaniment made with ridge gourd.

Ingredients:

Ridge gourd - 1 - 600gms

Urad dal / uzhunnu parippu - 1 tbsp

Channa dal / kadala parippu - 1 tbsp

Red chilli - 6 to 8

Asafoetida powder - 1 tsp

Tamarind - 1 gooseberry size ball

Coconut - 1 small cup

Oil - 1 tsp

Peel the ridge gourd and dice into cubes.

Fry the urad dal, channa dal and red chilli without any oil till dal turns golden. Stir constantly. Keep aside.

In the same kadai, dry fry the coconut till it turns golden. No oil. Stir constantly.

Add this to the fried dal. 

In the kadai , heat the oil and add the ridge gourd.

Fry till all the water evaporates. Keep stirring occasionally as once the water evaporates, the gourd sticks to the vessel.

Now cool every thing for grinding.

Start by grinding the dals, red chilli and coconut with the salt, tamarind and asafoetida. Use no water.

Now add the fried gourd in small batches.

You will end up with..,

Transfer and keep in airtight container. This chammandi lasts for a week without getting rancid.

Enjoy with rice , dosa or idli.