This Vegetable has different name in different part of the world. Americans call it Chayote squash, Mirliton and French call it Christophene. In South India we call it Bangalore kathirikai, seemai Kathirikai and Chow-Chow.
It has a pear like shape, slightly thick skin, and has a bean like seed on the inside . This green veggi is good for health like many other greens. It is a excellent source of protein, fiber and vitamins C. It helps in lowering the risk of some cancers and is good for vision, strong bones and teeth.
Chow-Chow Kootu
Ingredients:
Chow- Chow – 3-4 Nos.
Moong dal or – 3/4 to 1 cup
Toor dal
Oil – 2 tbs
Turmeric powder
Mustard seeds
Kadipatha ( karuvepaaku)
Salt per taste
For masala
Tamarind water – 1 spoon
Red pepper – 2 Nos ( as per taste)
Green pepper – 2 Nos ( as per taste)
Coriander seeds – 2 tbs
Cumin seeds – 3 tbs
Coconut – 1/4 cup
Asafoetida (Hing) – 2-3 pinches
Method:
1)Grind all the masala ingredients into a smooth paste.
2) Wash the chow chow and peel of the skin with a vegetable peeler.
3) After peeling, the surface becomes slippery so wash it thoroughly.
4) Cut it into small cubes size pieces. Pressure Cook the dal and chow -chow with little bit of salt and turmeric powder till they are done ( Do not over cook ).
5) Let it cool for a while. During this time heat a pan with oil.
6) Add mustard seeds and kadipatha (curry leaves) and when it starts popping add the cooked mixture to it and mix the ground ingredients.
7)Mix well and let the gravy cook in low to medium flame for 5 to 10 min. Stir occasionally(avoid continues stirring).
8) Remove it from heat and top it with little coconut oil. You can even season it with coconut oil. Tastes awesome. Pairs well with rice, chappati and baaths.
Hi ramya,
The koothu was awesome vamsi really liked it,as you said if we add some boiled peanuts taste good.Thank you for posting this recepie.Looking forward for more recepies
Hey Ramya,Your blog is really nice and I liked your presentation with photos.Nice…Bindu.