HeereKai ( Ridgegourd or Turai) Palya / Sabzi Recipe

Ridge gourd also known as turai or heerekai ,is green in color and pulp is white.It is low in fat and cholesterol. It has excellent cooling properties and dietary fiber in it. If wrapped properly in a plastic cover it can stay crisp for a week. It lowers the blood sugar level and helps in reducing weight loss and even helps in curing piles. It is often said by experts that it is always better to have a glass of ridge gourd juice in the mornings ( of course, the kids do not like the taste :)  ) so that your immune system gets strengthened against most of the infections. It acts as laxative and helps in constipation. It is good for eye sight

Some ridge gourds are bitter in taste and some are sweet. So, it is always better to check it once before you use it as an ingredient in your recipe.. It goes well with both chapathi,puri and also with rice.

How To Prepare Heerekai Palya / sabzi

This palya or sabzi is actually very easy and simple to make. It hardly takes around 20 - 30 minutes of your time to prepare.

Ingredients for Ridge gourd/ Heerekai / Turai pallya or sabzi

• Heerekai ( Ridge Gourd) -3

• Onion-1

• Green chillies-2

• Turmeric-1/2 tsp

• Red chilli powder-1 tsp

• Garam masala-1tsp

• Kitchen King Masala-1tsp

• Salt-2 tsp

• Jeera-1tsp

• Urad dal  (Black Grams) -1 tap

• Mustard seeds-1tsp

• Coriander Leaves - A few strings

• Oil-2 tsp

Method To Prepare Heerekai Palya / Turai ki Sabzi / Ridge Gourd Sabzi

• Peel the outer skin of the ridge gourd.

• Chop the vegetable into small pieces as you like.

• Chop the onions,chillies. 

• Take a kadai or a pan. Add 2 tsp of oil.

• Add 1 tsp jeera, urad dal, mustard seeds and fry.

• Add chopped onions, green chillies, chopped ridge gourd pieces.

• Add turmeric and salt. 

• Let the vegetables get cooked. If needed, add half cup of water.

• Add red chilli powder, garam Masala powder, kitchen king powder.

• Leave it for another two to three mins so that the masalas get mixed well with the vegetables.

• Now your yummy and healthy ridge gourd pallya is ready to be served.

• Garnish it with coriander leaves if you so desire.

Kitchen Masti Points

1. Do not throw the skin of ridge gourd. Instead try to make the best use out of the waste. I will show you how to use or utilize the ridge gourd to the maximum extent. Firstly, roast this ridge gourd peel in two tea spoons of oil along with 1 tea spoon of urad dal (black gram ) , around 4-5 red chillies. Add 2 table spoons of coconut scrapings, salt, coriander leaves and tamarind. Grind all these materials together. Give a tadka (seasoning)! This will turn out to be a very tasty chutney. It can be eaten along with urad dosa also.

Also Read  Hirekayi ( Ridge Gourd ) Chutney Recipe