ASH GOURD TOMATO MASALA GRAVY

Here is a healthy,low calorie side dish with  which is easy to prepare easily available vegetables and it tastes great too...

INGREDIENTS

• ASH GOURD (cubed) -3 cups
• CHOPPED ONIONS-1
• GARLIC -FEW CLOVES
• TOMATOES-3
• GREEN CHILLIES-3
• DHANIA POWDER-1 TEASPOON
• JEERA POWDER -1 TEASPOON
• CHILLY POWDER-1/2 TEASPOON
• GARAM MASALA POWDER-1/2 TEASPOON
• TURMERIC POWDER-1/4 TEASPOON
• CUMIN SEEDS -1/2 TEASPOON
• MUSTARD SEEDS -1/4 TEASPOON
• CURRY LEAVES -FEW
• COCONUT MILK-1/2 CUP
• SALT TO TASTE
• OIL-3  TEASPOONS

METHOD

• Chop the garlic,onions and chillies coarsely.
• Immerse the tomatoes in boiling water for a minute or two.
• Drain. Peel and chop into pieces.
• Heat a teaspoon of oil. Saute the chopped onions,garlic,tomatoes and chillies.
• Add the salt ,chilly powder and other powders. Cook till the raw smell is gone.
• Cool .Blend into a smooth paste in a mixie.
• Heat the remaining oil .
• Fry the mustard seeds,cumin seeds,curry leaves and ash gourd bits.
• Add enough salt for the vegetable. Add enough water and cook till done.
• Now add the ground paste.
• Add some water if needed.
• Boil  well for a few minutes .
• Add the coconut milk.Simmer for a minute.
• Remove from heat .
• Serve hot with breakfast items like idlies,dosas,pongal etc.
• This side dish can be had with plain rice or rotis too.
• You may substitute ash gourd with Lauki(Bottle gourd)or Chow Chow (Chayote sqaush) too.