Thogayal

Ridge gourd peel chutney known as Sammandha in Udupi cuisine and Thogayal or Thuvaiyal in Tamil cuisine is a popular accompaniment to rice, idli or dosas. It is advisable to use organic ridge gourd. You can even make this with chow-chow/chayote peels or cabbage. 

Ingredients :

1 teaspoon oil

1 cup ridge gourd, finely chopped

2 teaspoons urad dal
1 teaspoon channa dal
3 to 4 dried red chillies
a pinch of asafoetida
2 tablespoons grated coconut
1 small marble sized tamarind
salt to taste

for the seasoning (tadka)

1 teaspoon oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
8-10 curry leaves

Method:

Heat oil in a pan and fry the ridge gourd peel till it is cooked. To this add the coconut, tamarind and curry leaves and saute for a few minutes. Keep aside to cool.

In the same pan, add red chillies, urad dal, channa dal and roast till it turns brown. Add asofoetida in the end. 

To this add the ridge gourd, coconut mixture and grind to a coarse paste in a mixer. 

Heat oil, add mustard seeds, when they splutter, add curry leaves and  add to the chutney.

Serve with idli, dosa or rice.