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Parwal Masala (Pointed Gourd Curry)

A simple, healthy Indian vegetarian curry made with parwal (pointed gourd) cooked in a lightly spiced onion-tomato gravy – perfect with roti, paratha or rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian, North Indian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 250 grams parwal (pointed gourd) washed, ends trimmed, cut lengthwise or into halves, seeds removed
  • 2 tbsp oil vegetable / sunflower / mustard oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato finely chopped
  • salt to taste

Equipment

  • kadhai or frying pan

Method
 

  1. Wash parwal thoroughly. Trim the ends, slice each along length or in halves, remove seeds if large, then rinse and drain.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a kadhai. Once hot, add parwal, sprinkle a little salt, cover and cook on low flame till parwal becomes soft and slightly tender — about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same kadhai add remaining oil. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
  4. Add chopped onions. Sauté on medium heat till onions turn light golden.
  5. Add chopped tomatoes. Cook till tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate slightly.
  6. Lower the heat. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and salt. Stir well and cook the spices for about a minute.
  7. Add the cooked parwal into the masala. Mix gently so parwal is well coated. Add about ¼ to ⅓ cup water to adjust consistency. Cover, cook on low flame for another 5–7 minutes so parwal absorbs flavours.
  8. Sprinkle garam masala, mix gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Turn off heat.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if available. Serve hot with roti, paratha or steamed rice.

Notes

You can adjust spice level by changing red chili powder amount. Parwal is light and easy to digest, good for weight-conscious diet. Serve with whole-wheat roti or brown rice for better nutrition.