| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 364 | 28g | 18g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 7g | 0.87g |
The first time I cooked our delectable Snake Gourd Curry, I felt a palpable excitement. It was a fascinating fusion of the Southern cooking I grew up with and the West African flavors that colored my mother’s home-cooked meals, and as testament to my Afro-Southern love affair. In fact, the Snake Gourd Curry, a vegetable-based curry that sparkles with the vibrant hues of East meets West, has since become a recurring feature in my kitchen.
Stepping Inside the Eternal Dance of Flavors
The magic of Snake Gourd Curry lies in its lively medley of flavors and textures. It brings to mind a familiar dinner – the succulent aroma floating from my grandma’s kitchen, a Southern dish known as gumbo, a delectable blend of vegetables, and spices that make the mouth water in anticipation. But in my recipe, the heat from the green chili and ginger, and the robustness of the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin seeds hint at something bolder. It’s a love letter to my Nigerian roots, featuring a melody of spices that sing of a time-honored culinary tradition.
Health and Happiness in Each Bite
Beyond the appealing burst of flavors, the Snake Gourd Curry is quite the health powerhouse. Snake gourd is low in calories, rich in water, and a good source of dietary fiber. It’s also packed with vitamins and essential nutrients that boost your immune system, making this dish not just a feast for your taste buds but a boon for your health. Find more health benefits of snake gourd here .
The added Daisy’s coconut milk (a conscious choice for its superior organic quality – find it on Amazon ) not only gives the curry a creamy texture but also introduces healthy fats that are great for heart and brain health. A wonderful bonus is its vegan nature, easily fitting into plant-based diets.
Pair it to Perfection
This Snake Gourd Curry is such an eclectic dish that you can pair it with various dishes to complete your meal. It could be a lovely bed of hot, steamed basmati rice, a side of tangy lemon pickle, or the equally vibrant South Indian dhal. For those other enthusiastic purveyors of Southern cuisine, you might find it intriguingly pairs well with cornbread, an unexpected fusion of geological culinary traditions.
Ultimately, my love for the Snake Gourd Curry draws from not just its rich, unique flavors, but also from the beautiful nostalgic journey it traces, and the health benefits it bestows. It’s not just food – it’s a celebration of my culinary heritage, and I hope it will bring the same joy to your table.
What You’ll Need
- 2 Snake Gourds
- 2 cups of Water
- 3 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Ginger, grated
- 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of Curry Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of Cumin Seeds
- 1 teaspoon of Mustard Seeds
- 2 cups of Coconut Milk
- 1 Tomato, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
- Salt, to taste
- Cilantro, finely chopped for garnish
Method
Step One
First, rinse and trim the ends of the Snake Gourds. Cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the pulp and seeds inside and then cut the halves into thin slices.
Step Two
Place the chopped Snake Gourds in a bowl, add 2 cups of water and a dash of salt. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. This will soften the gourd. After 20 minutes, drain the water.
Step Three
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Stir them around until they pop and sizzle.
Step Four
Next, add in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté everything together until the onions become translucent.
Step Five
Add the curry powder, turmeric, and sliced Snake Gourds into the pan. Mix everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the gourds become tender.
Step Six
After the gourds are tender, add in the chopped tomato and 2 cups of coconut milk. Stir well and let it simmer on a low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Step Seven
Add in the lemon juice and salt to taste. Stir well and remove the pan from the heat.
Step Eight
Serve the Snake Gourd Curry hot, garnished with finely chopped cilantro. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a side of rice or warm naan bread!
