Mangalorean Manoli Curry Recipe - Indian Gherkins Curry
The Mangalorean Manoli Curry Recipe is a traditional curry from the Mangalorean Cusine in Karnataka. Manoli is a vegetable that belongs to the cucumber family, also popularly known as Indian Gherkins, Dondaikkai, Kovaikkai or even Ivy Gourd.
Ingredients
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500 grams Tindora (Dondakaya/ Kovakkai)
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1 Onion
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chopped
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4 Dry Red Chilli
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1 teaspoon Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds)
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1 tablespoon Coriander (Dhania) Seeds
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1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
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1 tablespoon Whole Black Peppercorns
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1 Tamarind
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2 cups Fresh coconut
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grated
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3 cloves Garlic
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1 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
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Salt
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to taste
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Oil
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for cooking
Instructions
Step 1
To begin making the Mangalorean Manoli Curry Recipe; we will first steam cook the Manoli
Step 2
You can use a pressure cooker or a steamer to cook it
Step 3
Precooking the Manoli (Indian Gherkins) makes the cooking process faster and more nutritious too
Step 4
I like to use a pressure cooker for steaming the vegetables
Step 5
To do this, place the cut Manoli (Indian Gherkins) along with a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of water into the pressure cooker
Step 6
Cover the pan, place the weight on and allow the vegetable to cook in the pressure cooker until you hear two whistles
Step 7
After a whistle, turn off the heat and you can place the pressure cooker under running water to release the pressure immediately
Step 8
Releasing the pressure immediately, helps retain the fresh green color of the Gherkins and also gives it a perfectly cooked texture
Step 9
Click here to watch the video of how to cook vegetables in a pressure cooker
Step 10
Our next step is to make the Manoli Curry Masala
Step 11
In a small pan; roast the dry red chillies, fenugreek, coriander, cumin and black pepper until you can smell the roasted aromas
Step 12
Add these to a small blender jar, along with the coconut, tamarind and turmeric powder
Step 13
Grind the spices adding very little water to make a smooth curry paste
Step 14
The Manoli curry paste is now ready
Step 15
Keep aside
Step 16
In the next step; heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan; add the chopped onions, and saute for a couple of minutes until the onions are soft and tender
Step 17
Add the curry paste and saute for a couple of more minutes
Step 18
Stir in the steamed gherkins, salt and add about 1-1/2 to 2 cups of water
Step 19
You essentially want a thick gravy for the Manoli Curry; hence add water accordingly
Step 20
Give all the ingredients a good stir
Step 21
Check the salt levels and adjust to suit your taste
Step 22
Give the mixture a quick boil only when you are ready to serve
Step 23
Serve the Mangalorean Manoli Curry Recipe along with Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha and Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for an everyday meal