Potala Rassa with cocunut

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Potala is a rare affair for us.. especially because it's not a regular vegetable in the Indian markets.. and when it is.. it's so expensive to buy in bulk.. so we buy them in small amounts & tend to make delicate recipes with them rather than just fry them & have with "Pakhala" !!

So here's a recipe that I tried.. I must have gone through 10 different potala rassa & curry recipes online before I reached this... I hope you like it !!




Ingredients
  • Around 15 to 20 small sized potala (pointed gourd)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Masala Paste # 1 - 1/2 while onion + Ginger + Garlic + Red dried chillies + Cumin seeds + 1 inch cinnamon stick + wee bit water.
  • Paste # 2 - 1/4 cup cashews + 2 table spoons poppy seeds + 1/2 cup grated coconut + wee bit water
  • Salt + Turmeric + Turmeric + Cumin powder + Coriander powder + Garam masala powder
  • Mustard oil
  • Fresh coriander leaves - chopped.

Process
  • Scrape the potala & slit them length wise. Marinate with salt + turmeric & keep aside for 5 mins.
  • Heat mustard oil till hot & add the potala's all together. Lay them in one layer so that they all get fried nicely & evenly.

  • When they are lightly browned, take them off the pan. They don't have to be cooked thoroughly. They just have to get that nice brown color on them.
  • In the same oil add the bay leaf & masala paste # 1. Fry with little sugar if you'd like (for color)
  • When masala is done, add the chopped tomatoes.
  • At this point add Salt + Turmeric + Cumin powder + Coriander powder + Garam masala powder & little but water.
  • Let the masala cook & leave oil at the side.
  • Next goes in the paste #2 (white colored) with some more salt + turmeric
  • Let this cook on low heat till the masala smells heavenly (oil will seep from the sides too.. may be 5 - 6 mins)
  • Next goes the fried potala & some more water.
  • Cover & simmer on low heat till the potala is soft. 

  • Keep as much or as little gravy as you'd like. 
  • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. 
I served it with peas pulao.. you can pick any of your favorite staples !! Enjoy !!




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