Ghosale Upkari
A simple and delicious Konkani stir-fry made with tender ridge gourd, aromatic tempering, and fresh coconut. This light and healthy side dish comes together in under 25 minutes and pairs perfectly with rice and dal.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the ridge gourd
- a.Using a peeler, lightly peel the sharp ridges off the gourd, leaving some of the green skin on. Wash it well and chop it into small, half-inch cubes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the tempering.
- b.Heat coconut oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the urad dal and sauté for about a minute until it turns light golden. Be careful not to burn it.
- e.Add the slit green chillies and curry leaves and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- 4
Cook the ridge gourd
- a.Add the chopped ridge gourd, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Mix everything well. The gourd will start to release its own water, so you don't need to add any extra.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gourd is soft and tender. Do not overcook, or it will become mushy.
- 6
Finish the dish
- a.Once the gourd is cooked, add the grated coconut and optional powdered jaggery. Mix well and cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Serve the Ghosale Upkari hot as a side dish with steamed rice and dal or with chapatis.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose tender, young ridge gourds for the best flavor and texture. They should be firm and have a vibrant green color.
- 2Don't peel the entire skin off the ridge gourd; the skin is nutritious and adds a nice texture.
- 3The urad dal in the tempering provides a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft gourd.
- 4Adding coconut at the end keeps its flavor fresh and texture moist. Don't cook it for too long.
- 5A small amount of jaggery enhances the natural sweetness of the gourd and balances the flavors beautifully.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Reduce the coconut oil to 1 tablespoon and skip the jaggery for a lower calorie and lower sugar version.
jainJain
Omit the onion completely. You can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the hot oil during tempering for a similar savory flavor.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/4 cup of soaked and cooked chana dal or moong dal along with the ridge gourd to boost the protein content.
quickQuick
To save time, use a food processor with a chopping blade to quickly dice the onion and ridge gourd.
