Turai / Turiya / Peerey Bhaji

Turai, Turiya or Ridge gourd is a green ridged vegetable with white pulp inside. The skin is peeled off around the ridges and surrounding areas before it is cut and cooked. My mom can make a mean chutney from the peeled skin but I will save that recipe for some other day. Turiya or as we call it – Peerey can be quite bitter sometimes and maybe that’s why I have noticed quite a few people taking a quick bite of this vegetable before buying. I prefer selecting Turiya based on its appearance..if the skin doesn’t look dry.. I buy it. The taste of this dish rides a lot on the vegetable picked so choose well! I prefer to pair this dish with some rice and curry.

(Note: Add a little salt, to begin with. This vegetable when cooked reduces in size by almost 50%. )

Servings: 4

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

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Turai / Turiya / Peerey Bhaji

This quick and easy Turai recipe is a keeper. It takes only a few ingredients and steps and yet yields a delicious and satisfying side dish.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Author Anushree Shetty

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 sprig of curry leaves or kadipatta, kadipatta
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 of a small onion peeled and chopped
• 2 green chili peppers, chopped
• salt to taste
• 2 Turiya / Ridge gourd chopped into 1/2 inch cubes, Clean it well before you cut it
• 2 tablespoon grated coconut, optional

Instructions

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok. To it add mustard seeds and as they begin to splutter add curry leaves and garlic.
• After 10 seconds or so add onions, green chilies, and salt. Fry it till onions turn translucent.
• Add Turiya and let it cook covered for 10 minutes until it is done. ( Note: You don’t need to add water while cooking this vegetable. It releases water on its own).
• Garnish it with grated coconut (if using).

Disclaimer: Approximate Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.

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