Turi Patata Sabzi
A simple and comforting home-style curry made with tender ridge gourd and soft potatoes. This everyday sabzi is lightly spiced and comes together quickly for a wholesome meal with roti or dal rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which should take about 30-45 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for another 20 seconds until the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Build Masala
- b.Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for about 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Stir in the chopped tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and become mushy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Spices and Potatoes
- b.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander-cumin powder, and salt to the pan.
- c.Mix well and cook the masala for 2-3 minutes until you see oil separating from the sides.
- d.Add the cubed potatoes, stir to coat them evenly with the masala, and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Sabzi
- b.Add the chopped ridge gourd (turi) to the pan and mix everything gently.
- c.Pour in 1/4 cup of water. Since ridge gourd releases its own water, this is just to prevent sticking initially.
- d.Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low to medium heat for 12-15 minutes. Stir every 4-5 minutes to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom.
- e.Cook until both the potatoes and ridge gourd are fork-tender.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the vegetables are cooked, uncover the pan. If there is excess water, increase the heat and cook for a minute or two until it evaporates to your desired consistency.
- c.Stir in the optional sugar and the fresh lemon juice.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with fresh rotis, parathas, or as a side dish with dal and rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Select young, tender ridge gourds. They are less fibrous, have fewer seeds, and cook faster.
- 2There's no need to peel the entire ridge gourd. Just scraping off the hard, sharp ridges is sufficient.
- 3Cut the potatoes into small, uniform cubes (about 1/2-inch) to ensure they cook at the same rate as the ridge gourd.
- 4Ridge gourd releases a significant amount of water. Start with minimal water and only add more if the sabzi looks too dry.
- 5For a richer, more aromatic flavor, use ghee instead of vegetable oil for the tempering.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Gravy
To make a gravy version, add 1 cup of water instead of 1/4 cup and simmer until the vegetables are cooked. You can also add 1/4 cup of tomato puree for a thicker, tangier gravy.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions for an extra kick of heat.
No Onion/Garlic VersionNo Onion/Garlic Version
For a Jain or Satvik version, simply skip the onion and ginger-garlic paste. The sabzi will still be delicious.
With Other VegetablesWith Other Vegetables
You can add a handful of green peas or diced carrots along with the potatoes for added nutrition and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Promotes Digestive Health
Ridge gourd is rich in dietary fiber and has a high water content, which helps prevent constipation, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports a healthy gut.
Aids in Weight Management
This dish is low in calories and fat but high in fiber, making it very filling. It helps you feel full for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and supporting weight loss goals.
Hydrating and Cooling
With its high water content, ridge gourd has a natural cooling effect on the body, making this sabzi an excellent choice for warmer weather to help you stay hydrated.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of vegetables and spices like turmeric, tomatoes (rich in Vitamin C), and coriander provides essential vitamins and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Turi Patata Sabzi contains approximately 150-180 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a main meal.