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Monday, May 9, 2011

Gherkin/Ivy Gourd Dry Curry And the London Gherkin

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The infamous London Gherkin built by Sir Norman Foster, has been compared to many things - The vegetable "Gherkin/Ivy Gourd" and a few other things not appropriate mentioning in my "G" rated blog. Even with all the exciting comparison, this vegetable doesn't stir the least bit of interest in me. If I was to judge the most boring vegetable of the world, I will choose this in a heartbeat. Can anything be more 'bleh' that this vegetable? Mom doesn't like it when I am quick to judge something without giving it a chance. Once when she visited me, she artfully prepared this dish that did change my mind, to a certain extent. Well I don't love it as much as I love  potatoes, carrots and beets but at-least I take an effort to make this occasionally at home.
This week I am going to be posting curry after curry, whether you guys like it or not. It could be a dry curry(like this one) or the one with gravy and something in between(??). "Curry", according to wiki, is a generic description used throughout Western culture to describe a variety of spiced dishes, especially from Bangladeshi, (South) Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai or other South and Southeast Asian cuisines. Three spices found in most curry powders are turmeric, coriander, and cumin; a wide range of additional spices may be included depending on the geographic region and the foods being included (meats, fish, lentils, rice, etc.). The word "curry" is analogous to "soup" or "stew" in that there is no particular ingredient that makes something "curry."  I will be focusing specifically on Indian Curry, true to my roots. So there!
I have to thank Ms.Jetti of "Spicing your life" for giving me the opportunity for being a part of May's week-long "Blogging Marathon". The theme I will be sticking with is "Curry in a Hurry". While some curries do take a little more than 30 minutes, planning ahead and making certain steps in advance makes it a breeze to make. So stay tuned.
The London Gherkin:
The edible Gherkin/Ivy Gourd:
Ingredients:
  • 4 Cups Cut(thinly sliced) Gherkins
  • 1-1/2 Tbsp Coriander Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Mango Powder
  • 1/8 Tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1/8 Tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 3-4 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • A pinch of Asafoetida (In powder form)
  • Salt as needed
Procedure:
  • In a pan, add the oil and the mustard seeds.
  • Throw in the cut Gherkins once the mustard seeds start sputtering and stir until the oil evenly coats them.
  • Add the Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder and Cumin Powder after a couple of minutes.
  • Stir about and add 1/4 Cup water. Lid the pan and cook the Gherkins for about 10-12 minutes checking mid-way to see if it needs additional sprinkles of water.
  • Sprinkle Salt and Mango Powder. Stir till they are incorporated. Switch off the stove a couple of minutes later or until there is no trace of moisture.The resulting curry should be dry and glossy.
  • Serve it on top of 'White rice topped with thick Yogurt'.
Check out the Blogging Marathoners doing BM#5:
Curry in a hurry under 30 min: Cool Lassi(e), Harini, Kalyani, Priya Mahadevan, Suma
Seven Days of Colorful Dishes Kid's Special: Priya Suresh, Veena,
Seven Days of Indian Sweets: Shylaja, Srivalli
Seven Days of Regional Specials: Priya Yallapantula
Under 15 mins Quick Breakfast:Aarthi, Vaishali
Enjoy!
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32 comments:

  1. I love the glamorous intro to this humble Tindora/Ivy Gourd curry !! We make it with just salt and red chilli powder and its a fav at home!!

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  2. lol...like ur comparision.... I often make this stir fry...I only part I dont like is the chopping of the dondakai!:)
    but eating has no issues
    Smitha
    Smitha's Spicy Flavors

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  3. Hai this looks good..My mum used to make this every now and then,but this looks so good than my mums dish(sorry mum)...BTW your blog looks so good...and if you are free just check my blog and follow me..
    http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/

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  4. Mmm...it looks wonderful! I'll have to check out this May Marathon! Thanks!

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  5. I never added amchor to ivy gourd.. will try it next time. I am not a big fan of ivy gourd but don't mind it at all..

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  6. Love love love this...
    I did'nt know about the comparison ;)..

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  7. So many new-to-me ingredients in this! Looks delicious.

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  8. Thats a quick and delicious curry,will be prefect with curd rice..

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  9. What a wonderful and simple recipe. This is my favorite recipe of ivy gourd :)

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  10. Love the recipe...adding amchur to Ivy gourd is new to me...looks delicious.

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  11. Dear Lassie
    How are you? It has been ages since I visited your space. Cant blog these days due to some unwanted and unavoidable engagements. I like this recipe and the write up...but dont know when I can cook this dish. I made your lamb stew the other day. It was very nice indeed.
    Have a nice week.

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  12. I'm looking fwd for all the curries that would coming along and ivy gourd is my fav veg specially when my mum jazz it up! ur mum version is great yum!

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  13. I make similar kind of fry only with chili powder and cumin powder. This looks awesome delicious.

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  14. Thats a quick and delicious curry,will be prefect with curd rice..

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  15. That's quite a detailed notes for dondakaya!..:)..even I have never added mango powder..will try it next time..

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  16. Nice preparation , i make a this with just tumeric and chilli . Will try ur version next time .

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  17. looks yum ! I love gherkins too, and we make it almost the similar way :)

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  18. That is one great looking ivy gourd fry ~ love your picture with white rice , yogurt n the curry, that is exactly how I used to love eating it ...brought back a lot of memories!
    US Masala

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  19. Nice addition of mango powder to Kovakkai (Ivy gaurd).Love your version. Will try this
    South Indian Home

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  20. simple n yummy curry..loved that london gherkin pic

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  21. looks great..nice to see the explanations...will try adding mango powder next time I make..glad to follow u:)..drop at my space too..

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  22. I miss these .. we do not get it here. Looks delicious.

    Vardhini
    VardhinisKitchen

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  23. I too make similar way,love the way you have cut,I love this very much with rasam rice ...long time since I made this ..

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  24. looks so inviting. Never tried this way though. sure to try this tonight!!!!!!!!!

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  25. I like gherkins, but I dont like to chop as it takes for ever. Curry looks yumm.. Looking forward to ur curry in a hurry marathon.

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  26. I can have this as a snack itself ....my son love more than anyother veggies...yumm..

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  27. I love to eat this vegetable but do hate the chopping part.
    Love your dry fry with ivy gourds.

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Thanks a bunch for your valuable comments and continued support.They are very much appreciated. Yes,like "Rain on Dry Land" and like "Oasis in Desert Sand".
XoXo, Cool Lassi(e)