Ingredients

• 1 large ridge gourd (turai)
• 1 tablespoon oil (coconut oil preferred)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• A handful of curry leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 Thai green chilies, slit
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup grated coconut (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

How to Chop the Ridge Gourd

• Rinse the ridge gourd thoroughly under running water.
• Using a peeler, remove the skin around the ridges, taking care to discard the peel.
• Trim off the stem at one end. Slice the gourd lengthwise into half, and then cut each half into three pieces.
• Make horizontal slits to dice them into ½-inch cubes.

Cooking Instructions

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. As they begin to splutter, toss in the curry leaves and chopped garlic.
• After about 10 seconds, add the chopped onions, green chilies, and salt. Fry until the onions turn translucent.
• Add the diced ridge gourd to the pan. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes until the gourd is tender. Note: There’s no need to add water; the gourd will release its moisture while cooking.
• Once cooked, garnish with grated coconut, stirring gently to combine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the turai sabzi hot alongside basmati rice and your choice of lentil-based curries for a complete meal!

What is Turai / Turiya?

Turai, also known as ridge gourd, is a prized vegetable in many Indian kitchens. With its beautiful green, ridged exterior and white pulp inside, it belongs to the cucumber family. Commonly enjoyed in curries or dry side dishes, turai boasts a unique taste, somewhat akin to zucchini but with a magical transformation when seasoned with spices.

If you’re unsure about what to look for, turai is widely available in grocery stores, typically labeled under various regional names like:

• Dodka (Marathi)
• Turai / Turi (Hindi)
• Turiya (Gujarati)
• Peerey (Tulu)
• Heerekayi (Kannada)
• Beerakai (Telugu)
• Luffa (English)

Health Benefits

Including turai in your diet has numerous health advantages, including:

• Promotes healthy digestion
• Aids in weight loss
• Helps manage blood sugar levels
• Relieves constipation

How to Select Ridge Gourd

Selecting the right ridge gourd is essential to ensure flavor and freshness. Look for gourd that:

• Is a vibrant deep green in color
• Has a firm and moist skin without blemishes or soft spots

Freshness is key to achieving great taste, so spend a moment choosing wisely!

Recipe Notes

• Cooked turai reduces in size significantly, so ensure you don’t over-salt to avoid a dish that is too salty.

Preparation & Storage Tips

I. Prep Ahead

You can chop the vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, or freeze them for up to a month. No thawing is necessary; just cook straight from the freezer.

II. Storage Instructions

The cooked turai bhaji can be refrigerated for 2-3 days without any loss of flavor or quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can mix turai with other vegetables like zucchini or squash for added variety and flavor.

2. Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan, as it contains no animal products.

3. How can I make it spicier?

Add more green chilies or sprinkle some red chili powder to the dish according to your heat preferences.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

5. How do I know if the turai is spoiled?

Fresh turai should be firm and green. If it feels soft, mushy, or develops dark spots, it is best to discard it.