Chow Chow Chutney

Chow Chow is called Chayote in Engish. I normally make kootu with it. Chotu is not a big fan of kootu varieties, so I end up making this Chow Chow Chutney to sneak peak this veggie. Its an easy and simple chutney and the good news is that no coconut is needed in this recipe. Pairs perfectly with idli/dosa.

Now to the recipe…

[Preparation Time- mins : Cooking Time- 15 mins]

Ingredients:

• Chow Chow – 1
• Red Chillies – 4 to 5
• Urad Dal – a handful
• Tamarind – small gooseberry size
• Salt – as required
• Oil – 1.5 tbsp
• Mustard – 1 tsp
• Curry leaves – a sprig

Method:

• Peel the skin of chow chow, remove the seed and chop into small pieces. Heat a pan with little bit oil and saute the red chillies until brown and crisp. Keep this aside. In the same oil roast the urad dal until slightly brown. Keep it aside. Now add the chopped veggie and saute.

• Saute the chow chow for a few minutes until it becomes soft. Let the ingredients cool. Take chow chow, red chillies, tamarind (I used tamarind paste) and salt in a mixer and grind it into a paste. Finally add the roasted urad dal.

• Just pulse your mixie 2-3 times. Heat the pan with oil and temper with mustard and curry leaves. Now add the ground chutney and saute for a few mins. Switch off the flame.

Chow Chow Chutney is ready.

Serve with idli or dosa.

Tips:

1. U can skip tamarind and use a tomato instead. If using saute it along with the chow chow and make the chutney.
2. U can add some curry leaves while grinding the chow chow chutney.
3. U can grind it either coarsely or into a smooth paste.

Sending this Chow Chow Chutney recipe to January month’s challenge of Sssshh Cooking Secretly event.