From the recipe box
Seevankaya Koora (Chayote Curry)
Kooras, pappus, rasam, pulusu, kootu, and the modular sides that build a Telugu thaali.
- Meal format
- South Indian Thaali Items
- Base
- Rice, Millets, Grains
Chayote (Seevankaya / Chow Chow)
From my kitchenCook this meal
Ingredients & method
- Prep
- 10 mins
- Cook
- 15 mins
- Total
- 25 mins
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
- 2medium chayote (seevankaya/chow chow), peeled, seeds removed, and diced into small cubes
- 2-3 tablespoonswater (if needed while cooking)
- 1-2 teaspoonsoil or ghee
- ½ teaspoonmustard seeds
- ½ teaspooncumin seeds (jeera)
- 1-2dried red chilies
- 1green chili, slit or finely chopped
- 6-8curry leaves
A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- ¼ teaspoonturmeric powder
- to tasteSalt
- 1-2 tablespoonschopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoonsfresh grated coconut
Notes & Tips
- Seevankaya Koora is a simple everyday South Indian vegetable curry that highlights the natural mild sweetness and soft texture of chayote. It is a perfect example of a quick vegetable preparation where the flavor comes mainly from the tempering rather than a heavy masala.
- This recipe is ideal for busy days because the preparation is minimal: peel, dice, add tempering, and let the vegetable cook covered until tender.
- Chayote releases some moisture as it cooks, so it usually does not require much additional water. Keeping the lid on helps it cook quickly while maintaining its delicate texture.
- For a slightly richer version, finish with fresh coconut and cilantro before serving.
Step by step
Method
- 01
Wash and peel the chayote. Remove the seed in the center and dice the vegetable into small, bite-sized cubes.
- 02
Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, green chili, curry leaves, hing, and turmeric powder.
- 03
Add the diced chayote and salt. Mix well so the vegetable is coated with the tempering.
- 04
Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chayote becomes tender. Add a splash of water only if needed to prevent sticking.
- 05
Add any optional vegetables like green peas or carrots and cook until they are tender.
- 06
Turn off the heat and garnish with cilantro and fresh grated coconut if desired.
- 07
Serve warm with rice, dal, sambar, rasam, or as a simple vegetable side dish.
