Ash gourd / White pumpkin / Poosanikai is loaded with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), a good source of vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin C. It is also rich in many minerals like calcium. Its high potassium content makes this a good vegetable for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Raita prepared with ash gourd goes well with roti or parathas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup – Ash gourd / Poosanikai / White pumpkin (grated)
• 1/2 cup – Curd /Yogurt
• Salt as needed

For grinding:

• 3 tbsp – Coconut grated
• 1 or 2 nos – Green chillies
• 1 small piece – Ginger
• 1/2 tsp – Cumin seeds
• Water as needed

Seasonings:

• 2 tsp – Oil
• 1/4 tsp – Mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp – Split black gram / Ulunthu
• 5 nos – Curry leaves
• 1 pinch – Asafoetida

Preparation method:

1. Heat a pan, add in grated ash gourd and enough water to cook, bring it to boil. Cook for 10 mins or until well cooked. Allow them to cool.
2. Grind items given in the list “for grinding” to a fine paste. Set aside.
3. Now take a mixing bowl, add in cooked ash gourd, 1/2 cup curd, ground coconut paste along with salt needed, mix everything well together.
4. Heat oil in a pan, season with items given in the list for seasoning. Pour this seasonings over ash gourd yogurt mixture. Ash gourd raita is ready to serve.

Notes:

• You can also cook ash gourd in microwave instead of directly cooking on stove.