Chow Chow (Chayote Squash) Curry by DK on Mar 11, 2013
If you take time to notice, you will observe that most of South Indian dishes are epitome of simplicity, clean flavors with minimal seasoning. They are quick to make and extremely easy to put together. Its a budget cook's dream come true. There is practically no wastage with many other secondary uses of the "scraps". Watching older generation South Indian women cook is like sheer poetry. Uncomplicated and soothing to the palate and digestion.
Spotting the Chayote Squash (that I knew as "Chow Chow" while growing up) in the grocery aisle the other day, I couldn't help but think of my mom. Though our time zones are upside down between us, we keep close, food being a strong binder. I keep her presence close to me by cooking the food that she used to make for us while she keeps mine via checking out my blog :). She has always been my best critic and I believe that keeps me striving to best myself.
This simplest curry is all about clean flavors. Chayote is like any summer squash and is quite bland and watery tasting by itself. Here, this light seasoning along with coconut provides it with just right amount of flavor without overwhelming the squash itself. A common side dish in a South Indian's household with/without coconut.
- Cook time:
- Prep time:
- Serves: 2 people
Ingredients
- 2 med-large (abt 450 grams) Chayote Squash/Chow Chow
- 1/3 cup grated Coconut, see Tips
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1 tsp Urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 dried Red Chilli (optional)
- 1/8 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/8 tsp Asafoetida powder
- Few Curry Leaves to garnish
- Salt to taste
Tips
1. Coconut: Both frozen and fresh will work here. Also, if dietary restrictions apply, you can easily skip it in the recipe. My mother never made it with coconut.
Method
1.
Peel the squash. While the peel is edible, my mother never used it for this recipe and neither do I (habit?!). I instead opt to use the peels to make a chutney out of it for the same meal.
2.
Cut it in the center and remove the seed.
3.
Chop them into cubes.
4.
Boil it in enough salted water to cover it. You can also steam if you prefer it. It takes about 5 minutes to get tender. Drain and set aside. (I usually add the leftover water to my rasam.)
5.
While that's cooking on the side, heat up a skillet with 1 tsp Coconut oil (or any other oil of your choice). Add mustard seeds. When they finish popping, add the urad dal, asafoetida and red chilli (if using. I haven't used it.)
6.
When the black gram starts browning, add the coconut. Stir it for few seconds (just enough to toast it and remove the raw taste).
7.
Add the chayote to the tempered ingredients along with turmeric and curry leaves.
8.
Give it a gentle mix until combined. Taste and season with salt if necessary given that you boiled them in salted water.
Serve hot. We enjoyed it with Pepper Rasam, Steamed rice and popadams.
Filed Under these categories
- 52 Curries
- 291 Dairy Free
- 46 Easy Side Dishes
- 447 Gluten Free
- 705 Kid Friendly
- 384 Nuts Free
- 100 Side dishes
- 177 Sugar Free
- 42 Under 15 minute - Side Dishes
- 499 Vegan Recipes
Recipe Reference
adapted minimally from my mom's recipe
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13 Comments
By Eunice on Jul 23, 2018
I tried this recipe at home and my parents really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing! :0)
So glad to hear that Eunice. Thanks for leaving me a feedback :) --DK
By Vijay Yadav on Feb 12, 2018
i want to try this awesome recipe at home .. !! really great
By Ruchi on Mar 7, 2016
I love this recipe..I always cook chayote like this only, as a side dish with dal and rice. Thank you
By Irina on Sep 24, 2014
I will add this to my must try recipes list. Never tried cooking chayote squash this way. Looks yummy!
By Neeraja on May 26, 2013
I make this dish very often too:) Also I add some cut tomatoes too along with some cilantro and it tastes very yummy:))) Thanks dear for sharing and may God bless you with many more!
By das_archana@yahoo.com on Mar 17, 2013
:wink: i made this receipe ! fantastic ! previously i cud never make this chow chow edible. but today with yr help i loved the dish. i added sliced green chilly and cut tomatos, to give it a tangy taste.
By South india recipe on Mar 14, 2013
very nice dish
By Priya on Mar 12, 2013
Love this simple curry,an excellent side dish for tangy kuzhambu.
By Dianne on Mar 11, 2013
I know these as chokoes here in Australia and every Summer when I was a child we had them growing in our backyard. The vine would try to take over the entire yard. I love them and it is wonderful to find a new recipe for them. Thank you so much, can't wait to try it. Could you splease explain what it is you do with the skins
By Radha on Mar 11, 2013
Can we cook South Indian dishes without mustard? Why we use mustard I hate the taste it always ruins or overpowers the other flavors in the dish plus I can't tell when all the seeds got popped...
By Radha on Mar 11, 2013
Why we use urad without the skin?
By Charmaine on Oct 8, 2019