Padavalanga- Parippu Thoran | Snake Gourd- Lentil Stir Fry

Padavalanga Parippu thoran is a healthy stir fry made with padavalanga(snake gourd) and lentil(parippu) and grated coconut.This serves as a side dish with steamed rice.I make this stir fry whenever I buy snake gourd.Snake gourd is rich a high fiber vegetable and also known to have detoxifying properties.They also function as a good expectorant and there by boosts immune health.The stir fry should be tender and not over cooked to taste best.The lentils added to this thoran also gives a nice crunch and taste.Try it out sometime !!

Preparation time~ 15 mins
Cooking time~ 30 mins
Serves ~ 4-5

Ingredients
snake gourd /padavalanga 1 medium sized
toor dal/tuvara parippu 1/4 cup
shallots  5-6 sliced
green chillies vertical slit 2
turmeric powder 1/4tsp+ 1/4tsp
salt to taste
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
curry leaves a sprig/thandu
oil 1tbsp

to grind coarse
grated coconut 1/2 cup
cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
green chillies 1 or 2
garlic clove 1 large

Method

• Wash the snake gourd and scrape the skin of the snake gourd.Cut open vertically and remove seeds if any.Cut in small pieces and keep aside.
• In another pan or use cooker,wash and add the dal,turmeric powder (1/4tsp) and salt with enough water to cook the dal.If using pressure cooker,cook for 2 whistles on high flame.If using open pan method,then keep a check closely so that the dal doesn't turn mushy.the dal should be tender or 3/4th cooked.

• In the mean time,grind coarsely the ingredient listed under 'to grind' without adding any water.
• In another pan,heat the oil,splutter mustard seeds.Followed by green chillies,curry leaves and shallots sliced.When it turns translucent,add turmeric powder on low flame.
• Now,add the chopped snake gourd(padavalanga) and cooked dal.Add any left over(very little) cooked dal water too,don't add any additional water as snake gourd leaves out water when cooked.
• Mix well,add salt and cover.Cook on low medium  flame for 6-7 mins until the snake gourd pieces are tender.Uncover,add in the coarsely ground coconut mixture.adjust salt,combine well and cook for 2more mins.Dry out any moisture left and switch off flame.Serve warm.