Ridge gourd rice (Turai rice)

The fruits of Luffa acutangula (Ridge Gourd), a natural jaundice remedy, are grown, harvested before maturity and is very popular in Asia. Ridge gourd as whole, seeds and dried crusts are all used for medicinal purposes. The ridge gourd is a healthy diet and contains a good amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, carotene, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron ad small quantities of iodine and fluorine.

Ridge gourd has blood purifying properties. It helps in the purification, restoration and nourishment of the liver.

Ingredients:

Rice          - 1 cup 

Ridge gourd      - 1 medium size

Ginger  - ½ inch piece

Green chilli       - 1

Oil        - 2 tbsps

Mustard seeds  - ½ tsp

Jeera    - ½ tsp

Salt to taste

Yoghurt            - ¾ cup

Water   - 1 cup

To garnish

Cut coriander leaves- 2 tbsps

Grated coconut - 2 tbsps

Method:

-         Wash and soak the rice for about an hour

-         Remove the ridges from the ridge gourd, wash, and grate

-         Peel the ginger, wash and grate it. Cut the green chilli into small pieces

-         Heat oil in a thick bottomed vessel, add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add jeera, then grated ginger and cut green chilli

-         Add the grated ridge gourd, stir, keep on medium flame and let it cook for a minute

-         Mix the water and yoghurt and add this to the vessel, along with salt

-         Add the soaked rice and bring this to boil

-         Reduce the flame, cover and cook it for about ten to twelve minutes, till the rice is done

-         Check in between to see whether more water is needed

-         Remove from the fire. Garnish with grated coconut and cut coriander leaves

 Courtesy:  Ashwita Goel