ಹೀರೇಕಾಯಿ ಎಣಗಾಯಿ ~ Heerekai Ennegai

Ridge gourd Ennagai ~ Heerekai Ennegai

When we hear ennegai, first thing comes to our mind is badanekai/ brinjal ennegai, but we can make ennegai from heerekai also, it tastes good.

Ingredients :

Ridge gourd/ Heerekai : 1 - 2 small ones

Masala for stuffing -

Onion : 2 -3

Jeera : 1 tsp

Jaggery : 1/2 tsp

Green chillies : 3 -4 as per taste

Curry leaves, coriander : few

Uchellu pudi/Gurellu pudi : 1 -2 tsp

Dry roasted Peanut powder : 1 tsp (Optional)

Til powder : 1 tsp (optional) Since am using Uchellu pudi.
Tamarind juice : 1 tbsp / to the taste
Oil : 2 tbsp

Method:

Wash the gourds, peel them, cut into about 2 -3 inch pieces.

Now slit them in to four parts.
Cut onions int small pieces.

Now grind coarsely or pulse the onions, green chillies, curry leaves, coriander leaves, Uchellu pudi, turmeric powder, jeera, jaggery, salt, tamarind juice  all together.

Now fill the pieces of Heerikai with the ground masala.

Take a kadai, add oil , add mustard seeds when it splutters, add pieces of stuffed heerikai one by one.

Let it cook for few mins, add water, enough to cook the gourd.

Can be had with Jolada roti, Chapathi, curry can be had with rice too.

One Tip : Before cutting into pieces one important thing must be done, that is you have to check the taste of ridge gourd, taste a small piece of inner pulp of the gourd because, sometimes the gourd will be bitter, if the pulp is bitter, dont use that gourd, as it will destroy the whole dish.