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Snake Gourd Raita: The Healthy and Delicious Indian Side Dish That You Need to Try:

Snake gourd raita is a delightful and refreshing side dish that perfectly complements your meal. This recipe combines the goodness of snake gourd with creamy curd, creating a flavorful and healthy accompaniment. With its crisp texture, mild taste, and cooling properties, snake gourd makes for an excellent addition to your raita repertoire. In this recipe, I will guide you through the process of preparing this delectable raita, which you can enjoy with rice or rotis. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 250 grams snake gourd, peeled and diced
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 cup full cream milk
• Fresh coriander, finely chopped
• 500 grams curd (yogurt)

Instructions:

1. Wash the snake gourd and cut it into small cubes.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and green chilies and fry until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the snake gourd and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add the salt, chili powder, and turmeric and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Add the milk and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the snake gourd is cooked through.
7. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
8. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt and salt.
9. Add the cooked snake gourd and stir to combine.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve chilled.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Heat a kadai (deep cooking pan) over medium heat and add the oil. Allow the oil to heat slightly.
2. Add the chopped onions and slit green chilies to the kadai. Fry them until they turn golden brown, giving your kitchen a delightful aroma.
3. Now, it’s time to add the star of the show – the snake gourd! Add the diced snake gourd to the pan and sprinkle salt, chili powder, and turmeric over it. Mix everything well, ensuring the spices coat the vegetable evenly.
4. Cover the kadai and let the snake gourd cook on medium-low heat. Occasionally give it a gentle stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This will take around 5 to 7 minutes until the snake gourd turns tender.
5. Once the snake gourd is cooked, pour the milk into the kadai and mix it well with the vegetable. Cover the kadai again and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The milk adds a creamy texture and mellows down the spices, creating a balanced flavor.
6. Sprinkle fresh coriander over the snake gourd curry and give it a final mix. The aroma of coriander adds a refreshing touch to the dish. Set it aside to cool slightly.
7. In a separate bowl, take the curd (yogurt) and whisk it well until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add salt according to your taste and mix it thoroughly.
8. Now, it’s time to combine the prepared snake gourd curry with the curd. Gradually add the snake gourd curry to the curd. Ensure that the snake gourd and curd are well incorporated, creating a luscious raita.
9. Finally, garnish the snake gourd raita with some fresh coriander leaves, adding a burst of color and freshness.
10. Your delicious snake gourd raita is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a side dish with steaming hot rice or alongside your favorite rotis. The creamy texture and subtle flavors of the raita will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Conclusion:

Snake gourd raita is a delightful way to incorporate this nutritious vegetable into your meals. Its creamy texture and refreshing taste make it a perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal. By following this simple recipe, you can create a flavorful raita that will impress your family and friends. So, go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the goodness of snake gourd in a whole new way!