Aakakarakaya /Spiny Gourd Fry

It is small ovoid, green and full of soft spines and looks like a baby sister of bitter gourd but not definitely not in taste.It is known as aakakarakaya in Telugu.

This vegetable has got a wonderfull crunchy bite and complements very well with rice. As it is a seasonal vegetable I am sure you can try it out.

Ingredients

• 250 gms aakakarakaya/kantola (medium size)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp cummin/jeera
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 8-10 garlic pods
• 3 whole red chillies

Procedure
Wash and cut the aakakarakaya in the ends and slice and cut through each into four pieces.

Heat 1 tsp oil add cummin seeds, once it splutter add the garlic pods and red chilles and saute for 1 minute or till garlic pods turn golden brown.Let is cool and make a fine powder.

In the same pan add the remaining oil once it heats up in high flame , add the akakarakaya, then add some turmeric, mix well and cover with low flame. Let it cook until it becomes tender, again make the flame high remove the cover and continue to fry till all the water evaporates and becomes golden brown. Then add the above prepared chilli garlic powder. And stir nicely.

Serve with hot ghee rice and enjoy