Mezhukku Puratty (മെഴുക്കു പുരട്ടി)/Oil-Sauté is an authentic vegetable side dish preparation in Kerala cuisine, where the vegetable is cooked only using oil, preferably coconut oil. Winter-melon/ash-gourd/ കുമ്പളങ്ങ is a water filled vegetable very common in Indian subcontinent. Winter-melon Mezhukku Puratti is a very special delicacy in south Kerala and is a perfect side dish for rice, during summer season.
Ingredients
- Winter-melon /കുമ്പളങ്ങ : 1 Lb
- Green chilli : 5 (Adjust)
- Coconut oil : 2 T- Sp
- Grated coconut : 1 Cup (Adjust)
- Curry leaves
- Salt for taste
Method
- Cut the winter-melon in a medium sized long pieces (see the pic)
- Heat 1 T-Sp of coconut oil and add the winter-melon pieces along with green chilli.
- Sauté it continuously (to avoid oozing water from the winter-melon) at high flame.
- You can see some water oozing; continuous gentle stir will dry the excess water.
- Do not over cook the pieces, the dish tastes better only if the pieces are crispy.
- Once water is dried completely, add 1 Tea- Spoon oil along with salt and mix well.
- Finally add the coconut and curry leaves and mix well.
Tips:-
- Don’t forget to stir continuously and keep the flame high, because winter-melon contains more water.
- Adjust the coconut, I love more coconut in this mezhukkupuratty.
- Use coconut oil for traditional taste.
