Kuvale Sasam [Ash gourd Curry]

Ash gourd also known as Winter Melon is called Kuvale in Konkani. Sasam means Mustard seed in Konkani. Kuvale Sasam is a traditional north Kerala GSB Konkani style coconut based Ash gourd curry especially prepared in Manjeshwar temple during Shashti Uthsava Samaradhane [temple feast]. Chopped Ash gourd pieces are cooked in ground coconut masala paste. Raw Mustard seeds (Sasam) are added along with grated Coconut, roasted Red chillies and Tamarind while grinding the coconut masala paste. Hence the dish is called Kuvale Sasam.

The following ingredients are needed to prepare tasty and healthy Kuvale Sasam /Ash gourd Curry.

Ingredients:-

Ash gourd /Kuvale. - 250 gm
Turmeric powder.    -1/4tsp
Green chillies.         -2
Salt.                         - to taste

For grinding Coconut Masala paste:-

Grated Coconut. -1cup
Dry Red chillies. - 5 (roasted)
Mustard seeds.    -1tsp
Tamarind.            - a marble size

For Seasoning:-

Coconut oil.      -1tsp
Mustard seeds.  -1/2tsp
Dry Red chilly. -1[optional]
Curry leaves.    -1spring

Instructions:-

1. Take a small Ash gourd piece (about 250 gm).

2. Chop and remove the outer skin and seed part of the Ash gourd.Wash well and chop the Ash gourd into medium cubed pieces and keep aside.

3. Wash and half slit Green Chillies lengthwise and keep aside.

4. Heat little oil (about 1/4tsp)in a pan and roast dry Red chillies and keep aside.

5. Grind grated Coconut along with roasted Red chillies, raw Mustard seeds and Tamarind to a smooth paste using little water to make a medium thick paste. Keep aside.


Method:-

1. In a cooking vessel add chopped Ash gourd pieces, half slit Green chillies, Turmeric powder, Salt and 2 cup of water. Boil and cook till the Ash gourd pieces become soft and half cooked.

2. Add the ground Coconut masala paste into the cooking vessel and mix with the Ash gourd pieces. Boil and cook the Ash gourd for 2 minutes on low flame and switch off the flame.

3. Heat oil in a pan on low flame for seasoning and splutter Mustard seeds. Add broken dry Red chilly halves and fry well. Add Curry leaves and saute well.Switch off the flame.

4. Pour the above seasoning into the curry in the cooking vessel.

5. A tasty Kuvale Sasam is ready to serve with hot rice.

KUVALE SASAM RECIPE-STEP BY STEP METHOD WITH FEW PHOTOS.

Instructions:-

1. Take a small Ash gourd piece (about 250 gm).

2. Chop and remove the outer skin and inner seed part of the Ash gourd.Wash well and chop the Ash gourd into medium cubed pieces and keep aside.

3. Wash and half slit Green Chillies lengthwise and keep aside.

4. Heat little oil (about 1/4tsp)in a pan and roast dry Red chillies and keep aside.

5. Grind grated Coconut along with roasted Red chillies, raw Mustard seeds and Tamarind to a little coarse paste adding little water and keep aside.

Method:-

1. In a cooking vessel add chopped Ash gourd pieces, half slit Green chillies, Turmeric powder, Salt and 2 cup of water. Boil and cook till the Ash gourd pieces become soft.

2. Add the ground Coconut masala paste into the vessel and mix with the cooked Ash gourd pieces. Boil and cook for 2 minutes on low flame and switch off the flame.

3. Heat oil in a pan on low flame for seasoning and splutter Mustard seeds. Add 1

broken dry Red chilly halves and fry well. Add Curry leaves and saute well.Switch off the flame.

4. Pour the above seasoning into the curry in the cooking vessel.

5. A tasty and healthy Kuvale Sasam is ready to serve with hot rice.