Kakoda Jhinga

,We came back from Albuquerque after the 4 day vacation and my fridge and pantry are almost empty and I don't feel like going grocery shopping today as its been pretty cold here. And my little boy is still adjusting to the 1 hour change in time. So I had to make dinner with whatever is left in the fridge. Hence the menu for today is Aakakara kaaya royyalu and Sorakaya pulusu

Aakakara kaaya Royyalu (Teasel Gourd with shrimp)

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb Kakoda (aakakarakaaya , teasel gourd)
2. 1/2-3/4 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
3. 1 medium small onion sliced
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt, chilly powder,
5. 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
6. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
7. 2 tablespoons oil divided
8. cilantro for garnishing

Wash the shrimp and put some salt over and set them aside for 15 minutes. Mean while heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pressure cooker and fry the onions till they start to change color. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for few more minutes. Add the peeled and sliced Kakoda and all the other ingredients except shrimp and remaining oil, close the cooker and cook for 2 whistles. In a pan heat the remaining oil and fry the shrimp till they start changing color. Once all the steam escapes from the cooker, open it and add the curry to the shrimp and simmer till the gravy becomes a bit thick. Garnish with cilantro and serve with hot rice

Sorakaya Pulusu (Bottle gourd cooked in tamarind juice)

Ingredients:

1. 1 medium small bottle gourd peeled and seeded and cut into small cubes
2. 1 tablespoon besan (chana ka aata)
3. 1 tablespoon oil
4. 1/4 cup sliced red onions
5. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, cumin, urad dal
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt, chilly powder
7. 2 cups juice from 1 medium lemon sized tamarind
8. 2 red chillies and few curry leaves (optional)

In a heavy bottomed pan heat the oil and fry the cumin, urad dal, red chillies and curry leaves if using. After a couple of minutes add onions and fry for a few minutes. Now add the bottle gourd pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes. Add the besan and fry for a couple of minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check the taste and if it is too tart add 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy