Drumstick and Red Pumpkin Bhaji.

 

Mashinga saanga ani Duddhe Upkari / Drumstick and Red Pumpkin Bhaji .........

Drumsticks and red pumpkin are both good for health and have large health benefits. They are good for the eyes being a good source of Vitamin A. It is highly recommended to use both pumpkin and drumstick at least once a week in our daily diet to get the full health benefits. Here is a simple upkari / bhaji that can be served as a side dish along with Dal-chawal or chapati. 

Remove the outer skin and the inner seeds from the pumpkin / dudhe. Cut them into triangular shaped medium sized pieces or any other way which is suitable to you and keep them in a bowl of water. 

Remove the outer skin of 2 thick and large sized Drumsticks sparingly. Cut them into 6 pieces. Wash and keep them ready to be used.

Heat a thick bottomed kadai with 2 tblsp of oil, when hot lower the heat and add in 1 tsp of rai (sasam), when they splutter and 3-4 red chilly cut into pieces, 1 tsp hing powder, 7-8 curry leaves and fry well. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder too. I have not added. 

Add in the drumstick pieces and ¼ cup of water. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover with a tight lid and cook for 5 minutes. Now remove the lid add in the pumpkin pieces after straining off the water in which it is soaked. Add salt to taste and 3-4 tblsp of grated jaggery / gud. 

Mix all together gently and cover again with the lid. Cook till soft and done. Do not add excess water. Add sparingly if necessary only by sprinkling a bit if you find the upkari getting burnt. Garnish with freshly grated coconut (Optional). Serve with Dal-chawal or chapati.