Pudalangai Poriyal: A South Indian Stir-Fry

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 500g Snake Gourd (Pudalangai), sliced into thin rounds
• 1/4 cup Fresh Grated Coconut
• 2 tbsp. Cooking Oil
• 1 tsp. Mustard Seeds (Rai)
• 1 tsp. Urad Dal (split black lentils)
• 1 tsp. Chana Dal (split chickpeas)
• 2 Dry Red Chillies, broken into halves
• 10-12 Curry Leaves
• 1/4 tsp. Turmeric Powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Snake Gourd:

• Wash the Snake Gourd (Pudalangai) thoroughly and slice off the ends. Cut it in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Then slice it into thin half-moons or rounds.
• Place the sliced gourd in a bowl of water with a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp. Turmeric Powder. This helps in slightly softening the vegetable and removing any bitterness.

2. Temper the Spices:

• Heat 2 tbsp. Cooking Oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tsp. Mustard Seeds and let them splutter.
• Add 1 tsp. each of Urad Dal and Chana Dal, frying until they turn golden.
• Add 2 broken Dry Red Chillies and 10-12 Curry Leaves, frying for a few seconds until aromatic.

3. Cook the Snake Gourd:

• Drain the water from the snake gourd and add it to the pan. Stir well to coat the pieces with the tempered spices.
• Sprinkle Salt to taste over the vegetable. Mix well.
• Cover the pan and let the snake gourd cook on a medium-low flame. Stir occasionally. Cook until the gourd is tender but retains a slight bite.

4. Add the Coconut:

• Once the snake gourd is cooked, add 1/4 cup Fresh Grated Coconut to the pan. Mix thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve:

• Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the Pudalangai Poriyal to a serving dish.
• Garnish with a little more grated coconut if desired.

This delightful Pudalangai Poriyal is a classic South Indian side dish, known for its simple yet satisfying flavors. The crunch of the lentils, the aroma of curry leaves, and the sweetness of coconut come together to create a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Serve it with steamed rice and sambar or rasam for a complete meal. Embrace the process, and enjoy the beautiful flavors of South India on your plate!