Turai or Taroi -Methi Sabzi

Taroi/Turai/Ridge gourd is a popular vegetable used in Indian cooking. It comes in two variants – one with a smooth surface and other with a ridged surface.

The low-calorie count and the antioxidant properties of ridge gourd make it a good option for people with diabetes. Moreover, it is hypoglycemic and hence helps in controlling the blood sugar levels.

The significant amounts of vitamin A in ridge gourd contribute to improving eyesight even at an older age. They also aid in preventing macular degeneration, partial blindness and other eye ailments.

Ridge gourd is rich in dietary fibre which takes time to be absorbed in the body thus making you feel full for a longer time. It is also low in calories and high in water content making it an ideal option for weight loss.

You might have cooked this vegetable as dry sabzi or gravy sabzi but I'm sure, your taste buds will start dancing when you will eat this version! Turai-methi combination is rare but overloaded with taste.

Ingredients:

1- Turai/Ridge gourd/Chinese okra-2-3

2- Onion-1 finely chopped

3- Methi leaves-1/2 cup chopped

4- Green chilli-2 chopped

5- Tomato-1 chopped

6- Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp.

7- Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp.

8- Red chilli powder-1/2 tsp.

9-Oil 2 tsp.

10- Salt

Method:

*Wash, peel and cut turai in half disc/circle.

*Heat oil in a kadai or cooker (I do in cooker).

* Add onion and saute till light brown, now add green chillies, tomato and all the spices except garam masala powder .

*Cook till tomato softens, add methi leaves and saute till they wilt.

* Now add turai and salt and cover. (I cook till one whistle in the cooker on medium low flame).

* Open the lid and on high flame, dry the water of turai till a nice aroma comes out. Sprinkle garam masala.

* Serve with chapatis, rice.