Parval (Pointed Gourd) and Potato Bhaji/Sabji, Mamta's
Parval-Aloo Ki Sookhi Sabji
Mamta Gupta
Also known as Patola, Parval/Parwal is a popular vegetable in India, specially in Eastern and Northern India. It looks like tiny cucumbers, with tapering ends, it has light green lines along its length. It is one of my favourite vegetables, bringing childhood memories every time I make it.
This is an easy dish to prepare, it goes very well with parathas or as part of any Indian meal.
Serves 4-6
Edited July 2023
Ingredients
250 gm. parwal, quartered lengthways
1 large potato (250 gm. Approximately). You can omit potatoes altogether
2 tbsp. mustard oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds or black mustard (Rai) seeds
A small pinch of asafoetida powder
1 dry red chilli, broken up or fresh red chilli sliced
1/2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated.
2 cloves garlic, crushed or grated (optional)
1 medium onion, peeled and thinly sliced (optional). I have cooked it without onion in the pictures here
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder.
1 teaspoon coriander powder.
1/4 tsp. red chilli powder (adjust to taste).
1 teaspoon salt.
1/2 teaspoon mango powder or amchoor (optional)
1/2 tsp. Garam Masala
Instructions
Heat the mustard oil in a wok or karahi.
Add the cumin/mustard seeds and asafoetida powder and wait until seeds splutter. Be careful not to let them burn.
Add ginger, garlic, chilli and onions if used. Stir fry for a few seconds, until ginger garlic turn lightly brown/golden.
Add the parwal and potatoes and sprinkle the turmeric, coriander, chilli powder and salt on top.
Stir-fry thoroughly for a few seconds and then lower the heat to minimum. Cover and cook until the vegetables are cooked, stirring from time to time. If the vegetables are fresh, no extra water needs to be added. Otherwise, sprinkle some water to stop it from catching.
Sprinkle the garam masala and mango powder. Raise heat and stir-fry, until all liquid is absorbed and the vegetables look shiny. Turn heat off.
Serve with Plain Paratha .
Chopped tomatoes can also be added at half cooked stage.
Notes
Chopped tomatoes can also be added at half cooked stage.