Ash gourd Green gram Curry / Kumbalanga Cherupayar Ozhichu Curry.

Ash gourd green gram curry also known as kumbalanga cherupayar ozhichu curry in malayalam is made with ash gourd pieces, green gram, shallots and ground coconut masala paste. Kumbalanga cherupayar curry goes well with rice.

The following ingredients are needed to prepare Ash gourd Green gram Curry / Kumbalanga Cherupayar Ozhichu Curry.

Ingredients:
Ash gourd / Kumbalanga. -250 gm
Green gram /Cherupayar. -1/2 cup

For grinding Coconut Masala paste.:
Grated coconut.    -1 cup
Shallots.                -3
Green chilly.          -2
Turmeric powder.  -1/4 tsp
Red chilly powder.-1/4 tsp
Salt.                        -to taste
Water.                     - as needed

For grinding Coconut Masala Paste:

Grated coconut.   -1 cup
Shallots.               -4
Garlic cloves.       -3
Cumin seeds.        -1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder. -1/4 tsp
Red chilly powder.-1/2tsp
Curry leaves.         -few

For Seasoning:-

Mustard seeds.-1/2 tsp
Shallots.          -8
Dry red chilly. -2
Curry leaves.   -few
Coconut oil.     -1tbsp

Method:

1). Peel and chop ash gourd /kumbalanga into medium thick pieces. Wash and soak green gram/ cherupayar in water for 1hour.

2). In a pressure cooker add chopped ash gourd pieces, soaked green gram, 3 chopped shallots, 2 green chillies, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp red chilly powder, required salt and 2 cups of water for 1 whistle on high flame and 3 whistles on low flame. Switch off the flame.

3). In a mixer add grated coconut, 4 shallots, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chilly powder, few curry leaves, 1/2 cup of water and grind to a smooth paste.

4). Open the cooker and add the ground coconut masala paste and 1cup of water into the curry and mix well. Check for salt and add required salt if needed. Mix well and cook the curry for 2 minutes and switch off the flame.

5). Heat 1tbsp coconut oil in a small pan for seasoning. Splutter mustard seeds. Add thinly chopped 8 shallots into the pan and saute well till shallots turned golden brown. Add 2 dry red chilly broken pieces and few curry leaves into the pan and saute in oil for a few seconds. Switch off the flame and pour the seasoning into the curry and mix well. Transfer the ash gourd green gram curry to a serving bowl.

Ash gourd Green gram Curry / Kumbalanga Cherupayar Ozhichu Curry is ready to serve with rice.