Beerakaya Pala Koora/ Ridge Gourd with Milk Curry

Ridge Gourd is a common vegetable in most parts of the India. Its a very stomach soothing n comforting vegetable. There is another type of ridge gourd called as " Nethi Beerakaya" or " Silk Squash"popular for its buttery flavor. Most common dishes of ridge gourd from Andhra region are Ridge Gourd channa dal curry, Ridge Gourd chutney, Ridge Gourd milk curry, Ridge Gourd fry. Even skin of ridge gourd can be used for making chutney. So don't throw the skin of gourd next time... Store it in a ziploc bag n freeze it, until u got required amount..

Ingredients:
Ridge Gourd: 1 big, Peeled n finely chopped
Onion: 1big, Finley chopped
Drum Sticks: 5-6 pieces ( Optional)
Oil: 1tbsp
Channa dal: 1tsp
Red chili: 1tsp
Cumin Seeds: 1tsp
Mustard Seeds: 1tsp
Red chili Powder: 1tsp
Turmeric: 1/2 tsp
Salt: 1tsp
Milk: 1cup
Whipping Cream: 1tbsp( optional)

Preparation:
1) Peel the ridge gourd n chop it into small pieces. Sprinkle little salt. Mix n keep aside.
2) In a pressure Cooker, heat oil n add red chili. Fry for 30secs.
3) Add channa dal, cumin seeds n mustard seeds. Fry for 30 secs.
4) Add onion  n cook for 5-6 mins or until onions are translucent. 
5) Add Ridge Gourd n Drum Sticks. Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder n salt.
6) Add 1 cup of water n cook for 3 whistles. Let it cool.
7) Now remove the lid n cook for 5mins on medium to low heat. Adjust salt n chili powder to your taste..
8) Add milk slowly by stirring constantly. Cook on medium to low heat for 5 mins.
9) Add cream n cook for 1 min
10 ) Switch off the stove.

Enjoy this soothing delicious Ridge Gourd Milk Curry with rice..