Ash Gourd - Tomato / Kumbalanga Thakkali Ozhichu Curry

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup kumbalanga/ ash gourd, cubed

1 tomato, chopped

2-3 green chillies, slit

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp chilli powder

1 cup grated coconut

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

2 shallots

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

2 dry red chillies

1 sprig curry leaves

a pinch of chilli powder

salt to taste

1 tbsp oil

Preparation:

1. Peel and chop ash gourd / kumbalanga into small cubes.
2. Grind grated coconut with cumin seeds, shallots and little water to a smooth paste and keep it aside.
3. In a pan, add kumbalanga pieces, tomato, green chillies, turmeric powder, chilli powder, few curry leaves, salt and enough water and cook on medium flame until it turns soft and tender.
4. Then add the ground coconut paste to the cooked kumbalanga, mix well and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium-low flame till the raw taste of coconut is completely gone.
5. Adjust the salt and switch off the flame.
6. Heat oil in a small pan and splutter mustard seeds and add curry leaves, dry red chillies and a pinch of chilli powder.
7. Pour this over the curry and serve with rice..