Chow Chow Curry is a delicious and versatile South Indian dish made with chow chow (also known as chayote), offering a perfect blend of spices, garlic, and onion. This flavorful curry is a great accompaniment to rice dishes such as sambar or rasam. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for everyday meals. The key to this curry is cooking the chow chow just right, so it remains tender without becoming overly soft.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through how to make the perfect South Indian Chow Chow Curry, adding some extra depth to your cooking with flavor variations and pro tips.
Why Chow Chow Curry?
Chow chow is a lesser-known but versatile vegetable, and when combined with South Indian spices, it transforms into a spicy, aromatic curry. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian meals and is easy to incorporate into your weekly meal plans. With a slightly sweet taste balanced by a flavorful spice mix, chow chow curry is a unique yet accessible dish for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Prep and Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
Ingredients for Chow Chow Curry
Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy and flavorful chow chow curry:
Full Ingredients List
- Chow chow (chayote) – 1 medium (peeled and diced)
- Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
- Garlic cloves – 10 small
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Roasted gram dal powder – 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric – 1/8 teaspoon
- Curry leaves – 1 sprig
- Salt – as needed
- Oil – 2 teaspoons
For Tempering:
- Oil – 2 teaspoons
- Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
Variation Suggestions: For an added depth of flavor, you can experiment with adding fennel seeds powder or ground cumin. Some people like to add grated coconut for a mild sweetness or sprinkle asafoetida for a more intense aroma.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Fats | 5 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
How to Make Chow Chow Curry
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling the chow chow and removing the seed. Dice it into small cubes, making sure to slice off any hard parts of the skin. Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
Step 2: Temper the Spices
Heat oil in a kadai or frying pan. Once hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds before adding the onions. Fry until the onions turn soft and translucent.
Step 3: Cook the Chow Chow
Add the diced chow chow to the pan along with turmeric and salt. Stir well and cover the pan, allowing the vegetable to cook on low heat for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Water and Spices
Pour in ½ cup of water, then add red chili powder and fennel seed powder (if using). Mix everything thoroughly, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the chow chow is tender but still firm.
Step 5: Thicken the Curry
Sprinkle roasted gram dal powder over the curry and stir well to combine. This helps thicken the curry and gives it a nutty flavor. Cook for another minute, and if the curry looks too dry, drizzle an additional teaspoon of oil over the top.
Tips for Perfect Chow Chow Curry
- Do Not Overcook: The key to a great chow chow curry is cooking the vegetable just right. It should be tender but not mushy.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the level of chili powder according to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount or substitute with paprika.
Serving Ideas
Chow chow curry is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides:
- Rice: Serve it with plain steamed rice, sambar rice, or rasam for a classic South Indian meal.
- Chapati or Roti: The dry texture of the curry also works great as a filling for chapati or roti.
- Side Dish: You can serve it as a side dish with dal or other South Indian gravies.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Spice Mix: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add freshly ground spice powders or homemade sambar powder for a deeper taste.
- Consistency: If you prefer a slightly gravy-like consistency, you can add an extra ¼ cup of water and let the curry simmer until it reaches your desired texture.
- Extra Crunch: For added crunch, some people like to include a few roasted peanuts or cashews toward the end.
Variations of Chow Chow Curry
- Chow Chow Kootu: Instead of making a dry curry, try making chow chow kootu by adding moong dal or toor dal and a coconut-based gravy.
- Kerala Style Chow Chow Thoran: For a Kerala twist, make chow chow thoran by cooking the vegetable with grated coconut, green chilies, and a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Chow Chow Sambar: This version includes chow chow in a sambar with toor dal and a tamarind base for a tangy, flavorful twist.
Storage and Reheating
To Store: Keep leftover chow chow curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in a frying pan over low heat, adding a bit of water if the curry is too dry.
Conclusion
Chow Chow Curry is a quick, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for adding variety to your everyday meals. Its balance of spices and the unique texture of chow chow make it a standout among other vegetable curries. Whether you’re serving it with rice, chapati, or using it as part of a larger meal, this curry will be a hit at your table.Try out this recipe and enjoy the spicy flavors of South Indian cuisine with every bite!
