Beerakaya pachadi is Andhra style ridge gourd chutney. It is best served with hot steamed rice and ghee. It also goes well with dosa, plain parathas and chapati.
For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips.
3cupsridge gourdchopped , scrape off the veins and do not remove the skin
3 to 4dried red chilies slit (adjust) or green chilies slit
½cuptomatochopped, ripe and red
1tablespoon chana dal(or white sesame seeds or peanuts)
½tablespoonurad dal (or white sesame seeds or peanuts)
½teaspooncumin seeds
1mediumgarlic clove crushed
1pinchturmeric
1½tablespoonoilto saute (divided)
⅓ to ½teaspoonsalt
¼ to ½teaspoontamarind paste(not concentrate, optional)
To Temper
½ to 1tablespoonoil
1sprigcurry leaves
1pinchmustard seeds
1pinchcumin seeds
1pinchhing
¼teaspoonchanna dal
¼tspurad dal
1smallgarlic clovecrushed
1dried red chilibroken
How to make the recipe
Prepare Ridge Gourd
Optional - Spray vinegar all over the ridge gourd and sprinkle some salt or baking soda. Let rest for 5 to 7 mins and then scrub them with a vegetable brush.
Rinse under running water and peel the ridges. Cut off both the ends. Cube them to 1 inch pieces.
How to Make Beerakaya Pachadi
Dry roast chana dal, urad dal and dried red chilies on a medium flame till you get a nice aroma. Add the cumin seeds and toast for a minute. Transfer this to a plate to cool.
Heat a wide pan with half of the oil. If you want to use green chili as a substitute to red chili, fry them in oil until blistered.
Add ridge gourd and saute till they are almost cooked. You can fry on high for the first 3 mins and reduce the flame. Cook covered until they soften. Transfer these to a plate to cool.
Add a teaspoon of oil to the same pan and add garlic, tomatoes, salt and turmeric. Saute till the tomatoes turn mushy and lose the raw flavor.
Transfer the roasted lentils, red chilies and cumin to the grinder and powder the, Add the rest of the ingredients - gourd, tomatoes and chilies. If you want you can also add little tamarind paste.
Grind to a coarse or smooth pachadi to your liking. Taste test and adjust salt.
Temper
Add oil to the pan for tempering and heat. Add all the ingredients except curry leaves and hing. Fry till golden.
Add curry leaves and fry till crisp. Add hing. Pour this tempering over the beerakaya pachadi.