Kerala Style Ash Gourd Curry (Kumbalanga Curry) | Dal Ash Gourd Curry Recipe
Kerala Style Ash Gourd Curry (Kumbalanga Curry) – A Delicious and Nutritious Kerala Delight
Kumbalanga Curry, or Kerala-style Ash Gourd Curry, is a traditional, nutritious, and flavorful dish from the heart of Kerala’s cuisine. Made with fresh ash gourd (also known as winter melon), lentils (dal), coconut, and spices, this curry is known for its light, creamy texture and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making the Dal Ash Gourd Curry or Parippu Kumbalanga Curry, this dish is an excellent way to enjoy the taste of Kerala with simple, everyday ingredients.
The curry is a staple in Kerala homes, often served with steamed rice, chapati, or as part of a traditional Kerala meal (sadhya). It is delicious and also offers a range of health benefits, nutrient-rich ash gourd and protein-packed dal. Let’s dive into the recipe to make this comforting curry!
What is Kerala Style Kumbalanga Curry?
Kerala-style Kumbalanga Curry is a type of ash gourd curry where the ash gourd is cooked with dal (lentils) and ground coconut to give it a rich and creamy texture. The combination of spices and coconut in this curry is unique to Kerala cuisine. The dal ash gourd curry is mild, lightly spiced, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys a healthy and balanced meal.
Ash gourd, also known as kumbalanga in Malayalam, is a common vegetable in South Indian cuisine. It is known for its cooling properties and light flavor, which pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the dal and coconut paste. This dish can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike as part of a hearty meal.
Ingredients for Dal Ash Gourd Curry
- 1 cup dal (Toor dal or moong dal)
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 3/4 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 small piece ginger (finely chopped)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2-3 green chilies (slit)
- A few curry leaves
- 2 cups ash gourd (cut into small pieces)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 dry red chilies (for tempering)
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (for tempering)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for tempering)
- Salt (to taste)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Parippu Kumbalanga Curry
- Cook the Dal
- Rinse the dal (toor dal or moong dal) thoroughly under running water.
- In a pressure cooker, add 1 cup of dal, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of turmeric powder. Cook the dal for about 2-3 whistles until soft and mushy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Coconut Paste
- While the dal is cooking, grind 1/2 cup of grated coconut and 3/4 tsp cumin seeds into a fine paste using a little water. Set aside for later use.
- Add Vegetables
- Once the dal is cooked, open the pressure cooker and add 2 cups of sliced ash gourd, ground coconut paste, 1 sliced onion, finely chopped ginger, slit green chilies, and a few curry leaves to the cooked dal.
- Add salt to taste, and mix well. Check water and add if needed.
- Cook the Ash Gourd
- Close the pressure cooker and cook everything for 1 whistle, or until the ash gourd is tender and fully cooked.
- Temper the Curry
- In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil.
- Add mustard seeds, and when they splutter, add dry red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of turmeric powder and chili powder. Sauté for a minute.
- Pour this tempering over the curry and mix well.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Your Kerala-style Kumbalanga Curry is ready to be served! Enjoy it with steamed rice or chapati for a wholesome meal.
FAQs about Kumbalanga Curry
What is Kumbalanga Curry?
Kumbalanga Curry is a traditional Kerala dish made with ash gourd (also known as winter melon) cooked with dal, coconut, and spices. It is a light, flavorful, and healthy curry that is often served with rice or as part of a Kerala sadhya (feast).
How to cook Ash Gourd with Dal?
To cook ash gourd with dal, first, cook the dal until it’s soft and mushy. Then, add sliced ash gourd and spices, and cook until the ash gourd is tender. Finally, add ground coconut paste and temper with spices to enhance the flavor.
Can I make Kumbalanga Curry without Dal?
Yes, you can make a simpler version of Kumbalanga Curry without dal. Instead of adding dal, you can simply cook the ash gourd with the coconut paste and spices, resulting in a lighter, more broth-like curry.
Whether you’re preparing Kerala-style Ash Gourd Curry (Kumbalanga Curry) or the Dal Ash Gourd Curry, this dish is both delicious and easy to make. With its blend of fresh ingredients, ground coconut, and perfectly tempered spices, this curry offers a true taste of Kerala’s culinary heritage. Pair it with rice, chapati, or your favorite bread, and enjoy a nutritious meal that’s sure to satisfy.
By following this step-by-step recipe, you’ll be able to recreate this traditional dish in your own kitchen with ease. Perfect for family dinners or a comforting meal, Kumbalanga Curry is sure to become a favorite!
You can find ingredients or Kerala cuisine at our Amazon sadhyafoodie shop.
