Galka nu Shaak
A simple and comforting Gujarati curry made with tender ridge gourd. Lightly spiced with a hint of sweetness and tang, this shaak is a perfect everyday meal served with hot rotis or phulkas.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the ridge gourd
- a.Wash it thoroughly. Using a peeler, lightly scrape off only the sharp, hard ridges. Do not peel the entire skin. Chop the gourd into 1-inch round or semi-circular pieces.
- 2
Heat the oil in a kadai or a wide pan over medium heat
- a.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle, which should take about 30 seconds.
- 3
Once the mustard seeds stop spluttering, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida
- a.Sauté for about 15-20 seconds until the cumin seeds are fragrant.
- 4
Immediately add the chopped ridge gourd to the pan
- a.Stir well to coat the pieces with the tempered oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Add the turmeric powder, coriander-cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt
- a.Mix thoroughly until all the gourd pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the ridge gourd cook in its own moisture. This will take about 12-15 minutes. Stir every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking. Do not add any water.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Once the ridge gourd is soft and cooked through, add the grated jaggery and lemon juice. Mix gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the jaggery has completely dissolved.
- 8
Turn off the heat
- a.Garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander. Give it a final gentle stir and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Select young and tender ridge gourds. They cook faster and taste sweeter. Avoid mature ones as they can be fibrous and bitter.
- 2The key to this dish is not adding any water. Ridge gourd has a high water content and will release enough liquid to cook itself, resulting in a more flavorful shaak.
- 3Leaving some of the green skin on adds a pleasant texture and retains nutrients. Just remove the hard ridges.
- 4The balance of sweet (jaggery) and tangy (lemon juice) is characteristic of Gujarati cuisine. Adjust the amounts to your personal preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Tomato
Add one finely chopped tomato along with the ridge gourd in step 4 for a tangier gravy.
With PeanutsWith Peanuts
Add 2 tablespoons of coarsely crushed roasted peanuts along with the jaggery for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
With BesanWith Besan
For a slightly thicker, coated texture, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of besan (gram flour) after sautéing the ridge gourd and roast it for a minute before adding the other spices.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the tempering in step 3 for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Promotes Digestive Health
Ridge gourd is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps prevent constipation, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Aids in Weight Management
Being extremely low in calories and high in water and fiber, this dish helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight loss.
Hydrating and Cooling
With its high water content, ridge gourd has a cooling effect on the body and helps maintain hydration, making this dish particularly beneficial during warmer months.
Boosts Immunity
Ridge gourd contains a good amount of Vitamin C and other antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections.
Frequently asked questions
Galka nu Shaak is a traditional Gujarati vegetarian dish made from ridge gourd (Galka). It's a simple, homestyle dry curry with a characteristic sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor profile, typically eaten with roti or phulka.