Peerkangai Paal Kootu: Creamy Ridge Gourd Coconut Milk Curry
35 minutes
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About Peerkangai Paal Kootu: Creamy Ridge Gourd Coconut Milk Curry
Indulge in the creamy delight of Peerkangai Paal Kootu, a comforting South Indian side dish featuring tender ridge gourd simmered in a rich coconut milk gravy. This aromatic curry boasts a harmonious blend of mild spices and fresh flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice, idli, dosa, or roti.The secret to its irresistible taste lies in the gentle cooking process, allowing the ridge gourd to absorb the essence of onions, tomatoes, and a touch of heat from green chilies. The addition of thick coconut milk at the end elevates the dish to a creamy, dreamy perfection. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Peerkangai Paal Kootu recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine to your table.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total35 minutes
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 500 gm Ridge Gourd about 2 medium ridge gourds, peerkangai
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 2 Tomato finely chopped
- 2 Chili Pepper green, slit lengthwise
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds rai
- 1 tsp Gram black
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Chili Powder adjust to taste, red
- Salt to taste
Other Ingredients
- 200 ml Coconut Milk thick
- Few Curry Leaves
- 2 tbsp Oil coconut oil recommended
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel and chop the ridge gourd into small, bite-sized pieces.
Tempering
- Heat oil in a pan or pot. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add slit green chilies and sauté briefly.
Sautéing Vegetables
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and become pulpy. Stir in turmeric and red chili powder.
Simmering the Curry
- Add the chopped ridge gourd, salt, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the ridge gourd is tender.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in the thick coconut milk. Do not boil after adding coconut milk. Garnish with curry leaves. Serve hot with rice, idli, dosa, or roti.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Peerkangai Paal Kootu
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated coconut to make the coconut milk.
- If you prefer a less spicy curry, reduce the amount of green chilies or red chili powder.
- Adding a squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
- To enhance the texture, you can lightly sauté the ridge gourd before adding it to the curry. This helps to retain its crispness.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 26kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.6gSugar: 3g
5 Comments
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This looks so inviting! Thank you.
Absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing.
This is wonderful! Can’t wait to taste it.
This is wonderful! Can’t wait to taste it.
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.