Peerkangai masala/Ridge gourd masala
Ridge gourd/peerkangai is a low calorie content vegetable and Peerkangai masala  is made richer with a freshly ground peanut  masala \paste .It tastes great when served with Rice/Chapathi
Ingredients:
Ridge gourd       – 3
onion             -1/2 cup finely sliced
ginger garlic paste    -1/2 tsp
cilantro            – to garnish
cilantro            – to garnish
For tempering:
mustard seeds      -1/4 tsp
urad dhal         -1/2 tsp
cumin seeds       -1/2 tsp
chana dhal        -1/2 tsp
whole red chilli     -1
whole red chilli     -1
curry leaves       -few chopped
turmeric          -pinch
oil              -2 tsp
oil              -2 tsp
For roasting &Grinding
peanuts          -1/4 cup
sesame seeds      -1 tsp
shredded coconut   -1 tbsp
whole red chilli     -1
Tamarind paste    – 1/2 tsp
Method:
- In a pan dry roast red chilli and peanuts.
- When the peanuts is almost done add sesame seeds
- Finally add the coconut and fry until it turns golden.
- Allow it to cool down and grind it in a mixer
- When it is powdered add the tamarind paste ,little water and blend it again into a fine paste.
- In another pan heat oil and allow mustard seed to splutter.Add all the tempering ingredients.
- Add onion and  turmeric fry until translucent.
- Add ginger garlic paste and fry until the raw flavor goes off.
- Now put the peeled and cubed ridge gourd/peerkangai into it and fry for 2 minutes adding desired salt.
- After that put the ground masala ,stir well and cover it with a lid.
- Cook until the ridge gourd/peerkangai is well done (stir it once in a while and cover again)
- Garnish with cilantro
- Serve over Rice/Chapathi
Serves 3