Shahi Parwal/Royal Ivy Gourd Curry

Parwal/Tendli/Ivy Gourd is a vegetable that is not so loved by all, but it has got so many health benefits, I am not guaranteed everyone but when I make it in my own way then even the kids are also start asking what is this ! However, I personally think that this vegetable is highly underrated. It is so versatile and can be used in many cuisines with other lots of different names, but trust me you try it out this recipe in which I assured you will fell in love with it. Other ingredients like, Mawa, cashew paste, coconut powder or milk or Masala preparation will entice you to cook this forest veggies.

Ingredients for making the Shahi Parwal

• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2-3 tomatoes
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 2-3 tbsp poppy seeds
• 3 cups sliced parwal
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp Shahi caraway seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp chilly powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp mawa
• 1 sprig mace
• 5 to 6 whole black pepper corn
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Method of making Shahi Parwal

• In a pan boil onions and tomatoes with water and little salt for a while approx for 5 minutes, then Strain and let it cool down. Add them to the mixer grinder along with cashews and poppy seeds and splitz to a smooth paste. Wash the parwal and slit them in halves.
• Heat oil in frying pan and fry the sliced parwal till they turn light golden brown. Take it out on a paper towel to soak the excess oil. In another pan, heat oil. Temper mustard seeds and then add the whole spices like bay leaf, cloves and cinnamon. Fry for a minute. Then add the ground paste and saute for 3-4 minutes, till the raw smell goes or the oil comes on the top.
• Now add the dry spice powders like turmeric powder and chilly powder. Next add the fried parwal and salt. Mix it all together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. Once it done add ghee and cream mixed well, so here you Devine dish is ready to serve. Enjoy this dish with garlic naan, paratha or home made tawa chapati.