ಪು೦ಡಿಹೀರೆ ಮೊಸರು ಬಜ್ಜಿ / Wild Ridge Gourd/ Taiwan Okra Raitha

I am not sure how many of you know about PundiHeere kaayi. I do not know what to exactly call in English. People call it as Taiwan okra, I think they do not know that it grows in India too ;).  Lets call it as Wild Ridge gourd( used to grow in forest before itseems), but we can see only stripes instead of ridges, soft if you touch it. Its one of the rare and oldest vegetables in rural parts of South India especially in coastal region. People who live in Canada and US can check in Chinese market for this vegetable. PundiHeere kaayi raitha is one of the best combinations with plain rice and with any other rice items. It doesnt take much time to prepare. Give it a shot. Let me know how u liked it..Happy cooking. .Have fun.

Preparation time: 30 min
Servings: 2 

Ingredients:

• 1 Pundi Heerekaayi / Taiwan okra
• 3 tbsp freshly grated Coconut
• 1 green Chili
• 1 small chopped Onion
• 1 1/2 cup Yougart/ Curds
• Salt to taste
  

For tempering:

• 1 tsp Oil
• 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
• 2 broken Red Chilies

Method:

• Wash the Pundi Heere kaayi and peel it. Then cut into small pieces.

• Take the chopped PundiHeerekaayi in a pan or griddle, add one and half cup of water, salt to taste and cook for 7-8 min( until tender). Cool it for 5-10 min.
  
• In the mean while grind Coconut and green Chili with little water into smooth paste.
• Now add the ground mixture, chopped Onion and Yogurt to cooled mixture. Adjust the salt.
• Temper with Mustard seeds and broken Red Chili.
• Serve with plain Rice or rice of your taste.