Gujarati Series: Ridgegourd-Tomato Shaak and Sesame-Drumstick Shaak

Two really simple, childhood favorites of mine, Turia-Tameta Shaak.....basically, Ridgegourd and Tomato Curry and Saragwa-til nu dahiwalu shaak- Drumsticks in a Sesame Yogurt Sauce.

These curries are especially good with chapatis to sop up the flavorful ridge gourd along with the creamy sesame sauce! Try this for a light meal sometime.

You will need:

2-3 large fresh or frozen( 2 packets): Ridge gourd (Turia) - chopped
1 large Tomato: Chopped
3 cloves Garlic- Chopped (optional)

For Tempering:

1 tbsp: Oil
Jeera (cumin) seeds, Asafoetida- to taste
Turmeric, Salt, Sugar, Dhania-Jeera (cumin-coriander) powder, Chili powder - to taste

In a wide skillet, heat the oil. Add the Cumin seeds, turmeric, asafoetida and the garlic. When they sizzle, add the ridge gourd. Cover the pan and let cook for 5-7 minutes. Now add the chopped tomatoes and stir well. Add the seasonings to taste and let cook further until soft. Serve hot.

Saragwa-Til Nu Dahiwalu Shaak (Drumsticks in a Sesame-Yogurt Sauce):

You will need:

1 packet frozen Drumsticks, or Fresh ones
1/2-1 cup of Yogurt- Whipped
1 tsp: Besan Flour
2 tbsp: Sesame Seeds- toasted
1 large Jalapeno or a few green chilies
1 small piece of ginger


To temper:
1 tbsp: Oil
1 tsp: Sesame Seeds
Mustard Seeds, Curry leaves, Asafoetida- to your taste
Salt, Sugar- to taste

Cook the drumsticks in some boiling water for 5-10 minutes. In a blender, add the sesame seeds, jalapeno, ginger and make a paste. Add this paste to some yogurt whipped along with the besan. Set aside.

In a deep pan, heat some oil. Add the curry leaves, mustard seeds and the asafoetida. When it sizzles, add some sesame seeds. When they turn brown, add the yogurt-sesame mixture and mix well. Add some water if it is too thick. Keep stirring and then add the seasonings. After 5 minutes, add the drumsticks. Bring the sauce to an almost boil and leave on heat for a further few minutes. Serve hot with chapatis.