Akakarkaya Pachadi - Kakora Chutney

Ingredients:

• Akakarkaya- 250 gms (Kakora in Hindi) (Teasel Gourd in English)
• Salt- 1 tbsp
• Red chili powder- 1 tbsp
• Turmeic powder- 1/4 tsp
• Tamarind- a small handful, soak in 1/4 cup water
• Jaggery- 2-3 inch piece
• Water- 1/4 cup (if required)

For Grinding:

• Urad dal- 2 tbsp
• Coriander seeds- 1 tbsp
• Sesame seeds- 1 tbsp (til)
• Fenigreek seeds- 1 tsp (methi)

For Tempering:

• Oil- 3-5 tbsp
• Chana dal- 1 tbsp
• Urad dal- 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds- 1/4tsp
• Dry red chilies- 2-3 broken into pieces
• Asafoetida- 1/4 tsp

Method:

1. Wash the Akakarkaya and cut into small pieces by removing the seeds which are similar to the bitter gourd seeds but smaller and round in shape.
2. Add oil to a heavy bottom pan and prepare tempering. As the mustard seeds splatter, add the akakarkaya pieces and mix once.
3. Cover with lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes. 
4. You can either cook it completely in oil or add water. 
5. (If adding water it will stay good for up to 3 days in refrigerator.)
6. Add water and cook till tender with the lid on. This will take same time so stir occasionally. 
7. Meanwhile dry roast the grinding ingredients in a smaller pan. Keep the heat in simmer.
8. First add urad dal and roast for 1 minute. Then add the coriander seeds, followed by fenugreek seeds. 
9. Once these start to change color, add sesame seeds. They will start to splatter a d then, turn off the heat. Let it cool and grind to a powder. 
10. Now squeeze the pulp out of tamarind and keep the water ready.
11. Check to see if the akakarkaya pieces are cooked and pour in this tamarind water. 
12. Mix and let it cook for 3-4 minutes without the lid.
13. Next add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, jaggery and mix well. 
14. Add little water if required. Now add the powder and mix well. 
15. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes in simmer.
16. Once the mix starts to come together and begins to stick to the sides of the pan, turn off the heat. 
17. Let it cool and serve with rice or roti.

Notes:

1. It can be prepared without adding water as well. In that case we had to add more oil. That will stay good for a week to 10 days. But remember to double the quantity of oil.