Ash Gourd Recipe | Ash Gourd Thoran

User Reviews

5

40 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    3

  • Calories

    133 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Indian

Ash Gourd Recipe | Ash Gourd Thoran

Ash Gourd Thoran is a lightly spiced vegetable side dish featuring tender cooked ash gourd combined with fresh grated coconut, curry leaves, and mild green chili heat. The recipe utilizes coconut oil for sautéing, enhancing the dish with a characteristic flavor and aroma typical in South Indian cooking. This thoran offers a soft, moist texture without added water, relying on the natural moisture of ash gourd for cooking.

Description

This Ash Gourd Thoran recipe begins with peeling and chopping fresh ash gourd, which is then sautéed with mustard and optional cumin seeds in coconut oil. Onions are cooked until translucent before adding curry leaves and green chili to develop aroma and mild heat. Turmeric powder adds color and subtle earthiness. The ash gourd is cooked covered to gently soften in its own juices, preserving moisture without diluting the flavor. Grated fresh coconut is added toward the end, blending into the soft vegetable for a creamy texture throughout.

The resulting dish is a delicate balance of mild spice, earthy turmeric, fresh coconut, and the slight bitterness of curry leaves. It can be served as a side dish alongside rice and dal, sambar, or chapati, fitting naturally into a traditional meal setup.

For authentic flavor, coconut oil is recommended, though neutral oils can substitute. If the ash gourd begins sticking during cooking, adding a small amount of water can prevent burning. Adjust coconut quantity to taste. Green chilies may be swapped with deseeded dried red chilies for variation. Ensure fresh, in-season ash gourd for the best texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 200 grams ash gourd (kumbalanga or white gourd or petha or winter melon) - peeled and chopped
  • cup onion or 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili - chopped finely or ½ teaspoon, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds - optional
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 12 to 15 curry leaves
  • ½ cup coconut fresh grated
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons coconut oil
  • salt as required

Instructions

  1. Rinse the ash gourd. Peel and later chop the ash gourd and keep them ready with the chopped onions and green chili. Remove the seeds from the ash gourd.
  2. In a pan, heat the coconut oil. Add the mustard seeds and when they pop add the cumin seeds.
  3. When the cumin seeds sizzle in the hot oil add the onions. Sauté the onions till transparent on medium-low heat.
  4. Add the curry leaves and green chilli. Sauté for a few seconds. 
  5. Now add the ash gourd.
  6. Add the turmeric powder and saute for a minute.
  7. Cover the pan and let the ash gourd cook in its own juices. Do not add water as ash gourd has enough water in it. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes till the ash gourd is almost done. Then add the grated coconut.
  8. Mix the coconut well with the veggie. Add salt and cook covered for a couple of minutes.
  9. Serve ash gourd thoran as a side dish or with dal and rice or sambar and rice. You can also have this dish with chapati.

Notes

  • Use coconut oil for authentic flavor; neutral oil can be substituted if preferred.
  • Deseeded dried red chilies may replace green chilies for a different heat profile.
  • If the ash gourd sticks while cooking, add a splash of water and continue stirring.
  • Adjust the quantity of fresh grated coconut according to taste.
  • Scale the recipe as needed for more servings.
  • Ensure the ash gourd is fresh and in season for optimal taste and texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 133kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g (1%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 443mg (18%) Potassium 115mg (2%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 30IU (1%) Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.1mg Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.01mg Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 8mg Vitamin B6 0.04mg Vitamin C 18mg (20%) Vitamin E 0.1mg Vitamin K 0.2µg Calcium 35mg (4%) Vitamin B9 (Folate) 88µg Iron 1mg (6%) Magnesium 12mg (3%) Phosphorus 48mg Zinc 0.3mg

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 133 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 133kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 443mg 18%
Potassium 115mg 2%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 30IU 1%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.1mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.01mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 8mg
Vitamin B6 0.04mg
Vitamin C 18mg 20%
Vitamin E 0.1mg
Vitamin K 0.2µg
Calcium 35mg 4%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 88µg
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 12mg 3%
Phosphorus 48mg
Zinc 0.3mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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