Snake Gourd Vidhaiyal | Snake Gourd Seeds Chutney | Gluten Free And Vegan Chutney Recipe

Dear all,

Do you know that Snake Gourd seeds/pith are edible? Not only are they edible, they are also good for health. I came to know about it a few months back when I saw someone making a very nice curry with it. It was then I realised the value of such an interesting ingredient which normally I would've disposed while chopping the vegetable. So I started trying different types of recipes with the Snake Gourd seeds. 

Vidhai in Tamil means seed. Seed that gives life to a new plant and a tree. Thogayal is a spicy relish that we make frequently from different fruits and vegetables like Coconut, Chillies, Ridge Gourd, Moringa Leaves etc. It goes very well when mixed with freshly boiled rice and hot ghee. I decided to use the Snake Gourd seeds and make a thogayal. It came out really nice and I decided to name it ‘Vidhaiyal’.

I also used dry mango powder (aamchur) instead of the usual tamarind and the end result was so refreshing and different. You can also use fresh coconut while grinding the vidhaiyal. It will make it more tasty. As I did not have fresh coconut, I skipped it. This healthy Vidhaiyal is a must try. It is so simple to make and can be easily used up as a sandwich or roti spread too. Great way to get children enjoy it. 

Now, let me share this tasty and healthy Snake Gourd Vidhaiyal Recipe. 

Snake Gourd Vidhaiyal:

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Cooking time:10 minutes

Serves:4

1 cup =250 ml cup

Storage: Snake Gourd Vidhaiyal stays good for 2-3 days when stored refrigerated in a clean, odour free container. You can drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil and lemon juice on top of the vidhaiyal if you are storing it for a couple of days. 

Important Note: Use only tender seeds/pith.

Ingredients :

1/2 cup tender snake gourd pith/seeds 

2 teaspoons urad dal/husked  black gram 

2 teaspoons channa dal/Bengal gram

4 green chillies (adjust)

1/2 teaspoon aamchur 

or marble size tamarind or 1/2 tsp tamarind pulp

1/2 teaspoon jaggery powder

1/4 cup fresh coconut ( optional)

2 teaspoon oil ( sesame oil or coconut oil)

Rock Salt

Method :

1. In a small kadai or pan, heat oil and fry the urad dal and channa dal till they are golden brown. 
2. Transfer the dal into the mixer jar and place the kadai back on low flame.
3. Add the snake gourd seeds, green chillies, turmeric powder, aamchur powder (if adding),jaggery and salt .
4. The snake gourd seeds will release water . Let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Switch off the gas and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
6. Now, transfer it to the mixer jar , add coconut(if using) and grind it to a thogayal (thick)consistency. Note: You can add 1/8 cup water and grind the mixture. If you are serving it for tiffin as side dish, you can add 1/2 cup water and grind it to a chutney consistency.
7. You can add freshly squeezed lemon juice for additional tanginess ( optional). 

Your delicious and healthy Snake Gourd Vidhaiyal is now ready to be served along with rice or roti. Enjoy it with a dash of melted ghee.

So yum! Do try and share your feedback with me.

Happy Cooking!

With love,

Masterchefmom