VELLARIKKA PACHADI

VELLARIKKA PACHADI


Vellarikka is what cucumber is called in Tamil and Malayalam. One type of cucumber, which we call Magge in my mother tongue Konkani is called, "Mangalooru Southekai" in Kannada.

While, strictly speaking, it is called, "Field Marrow" in India it is variously known as Mangalore Cucumber, Madras Cucumber, Indian Yellow Cucumber and even Malabar Cucumber.

Elsewhere in this blog, you will find other dishes made with Mangalore Cucumber such as:

• Magge Polo ( Mangalore Cucumber Dosa) 
• Magge and Mashingasaang Koddel 

Today's recipe is for a coconut-based side dish from Kerala, made with Mangalore Cucumber, spices and thick curds. This was shared by my friend, Vidya Shenoy. 

We tried it out today and enjoyed it immensely. 

Ingredients:-

• Vellarikka/Mangalore Cucumber/Magge, 1/2 or about 450 gms
• Thick Curds, 1/4  cup 
• Salt, to taste

To Grind To A Paste 

• Coconut Gratings, 1/3 cup
• Small Onions, 3 
• Garlic Cloves, 5
• Green Chillies, 2
• Cumin Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Mustard Seeds, 1 tsp 

Fo the Seasoning:

• Mustard Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Ginger, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp
• Curry Leaves, 6-8
• Red Chillies, 2, broken into halves
• Small Onions, finely chopped, 5 
• Coconut Oil, 2 tsp 

Method:-

Wash the Mangalore Cucumber, peel the skin, remove the core and seeds
Cut the Cucumber into small pieces

In a pan, cook the Cucumber pieces in 1/2 cup of water, adding a little salt. Cook until they get done but remain firm. Ensure that they don't get overcooked. Keep aside

In a mixer jar, grind together coconut gratings, 3 small onions, garlic cloves, green chillies and cumin seeds to a fine paste adding a little water

Before removing the paste add 1 tsp of mustard and grind once again 

Remove the ground paste and keep aside

Heat 2 tsp  of coconut oil in a pan and on medium heat add the mustard seeds, when they splutter add the finely chopped ginger, curry leaves, broken red chillies and 5 finely chopped small onions, and sauté till the onions become translucent

Now add the ground masala, mix well and cook for a few minutes till the raw smell goes

To this, add the cooked cucumber pieces, mix well, check for salt and add if required
Cook for a few minutes

Lastly, add the thick curds, mix well and switch off the gas 

Transfer to serving bowl 

Serve Vellarikka Pachadi as an accompaniment to the main meal