Opo Squash Curry (Laukhi Ka Salan)

Cuisine: North Indian

Serves: 6

Ingredients for the Gravy:

 1 Tablespoon Peanut Powder
1 Tablespoon Coconut Powder
1 Tablespoon Sesame seeds
1 Tablespoon Coconut powder
1 Tablespoon Oil
1 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin seeds
4 Dried Red chilies small-sized
2 Long Green Chilies cut length-wise and quartered 
1 Teaspoon Ginger paste
8 Curry leaves coarsely chopped to infuse flavors
1 Teaspoon Cumin powder
1 Teaspoon Coriander powder
1 Teaspoon Chilly powder
Turmeric pinch
Salt to Taste
1/3 Coriander Bunch finely chopped
1/3 Coriander Bunch finely chopped

Ingredients for Vegetable Preparation:

1/2 Pound Opo Squash
1 Tablespoon Oil
Pinch of Turmeric
Pinch of Salt
2 Large Tomatoes diced into large cubes

Preparation:

• Heat large skillet in Medium heat. Add Peanuts, Coconut, and Sesame seeds in that sequence and toast so that coconut or sesame seeds are golden brown (without burning). Make fine powder.
• Pour Oil in a skillet and then add Mustard seeds, Cumin seeds, Red Chiies, Green Chilies, Ginger Paste, Curry Leaves and leave it for 30secs till mustard seeds pop. Now, add 5 powders (Cumin, Coriander, Red Chili, Salt, and Turmeric) and mix it well. 
• Add Peanut, Coconut, and Sesame powder mixture into the pan and mix well for a few seconds. 
• Add water (large glass of water) and Yogurt (or substitute with Coconut Milk) to this mixture and stir well. Cover the lid and let this mixture simmer for good 20mins until Oil separates from the mixture. 
• Add pre-sauteed Opo Squash into the gravy after its done (To cut down cooking time, we recommend that Opo squash pre-sauteed in another pan with Oil, pinch of Salt and Turmeric)
• Add Tomatoes to the mixture and cook in low heat for another 10 mins. You can add basil or additional Curry leaves at the end to finish the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with hot Rice, Tortillas, Parathas, Breads as a side accompaniment. Opo Squash is a delicious, low-calorie, high water-content, healthy vegetable filled with nutrition. Just do NOT eat it raw.