Potlakaya Perugu Pachadi ( Snake Gourd in Yogurt )

Potlakaya or snake gourd curry mixed in yogurt makes a very tasty side dish. It can be eaten by mixing iwith plain white rice or as side to dal rice. You can find snake guard in Indian grocery stores either fresh or in the frozen section.

Ingredients :

• Potlakaya (snake gourd) -1 ( or 1 packet frozen )
• Yogurt - 2 cups
• Ginger-1 inch
• Green Chillies-3 or to taste
• Salt -to taste
• Turmeric Powder -1/4 tsp
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Fenugreek Seeds ( methi ) - 1/4 tsp
• Urad Dal - 1/2 tsp
• Hing - a pinch
• Curry Leaves - 1 spring

Directions: 

• Chop the snake gourd and keep aside. If using frozen, then thaw them.
• Grind chillies and ginger intoa fine paste. Keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan, splutter mustard seeds, cumin seeds. Add urad dal and methi seeds and fry till slightly reddish. Add hing and curry leaves.
• Add the chopped snake gourd, turmeric powder, salt. Mix well and cook till the snake gourd is tender and well cooked. Let it cool.
• Beat the curds and add the ginger-chilli paste to it. Mix well.
• Now add the fried snake gourd to the curd and give it a good mix. Adjust salt. 
• Serve with rice.