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In India, pointed gourd, often referred to as parwal, is a summer vegetable that is readily accessible. It is cylindrical and has pointed ends, like a gourd. Parwal is a favourite ingredient for summer cuisines because of its cooling qualities. Numerous recipes, including bharwan parwal, parwal curry, parwal fry, and parwal chutney, can be made with it. Its mild flavour and excellent flavour-absorbing capacity make it a versatile component in Indian cooking, particularly in the sweltering summer months.
Here is a list of parwal dishes from all across India:
1. Potoler Dorma:
Potoler Dorma is a fragrant Bengali delicacy where a pointed gourd, known as potol, is stuffed with a paste of coconut and seasoned with herbs and spices. Alternatively, paneer or minced meat can be used for stuffing. After stuffing, the potol is fried or grilled, and a thick gravy is prepared with tomatoes, onions, and various aromatic spices to cook the stuffed potol. It offers a delicious, intense flavour with a subtle hint of sweetness from the coconut, making it a royal dish perfect to serve with rice or pulao.
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2. Parwal Masala:
Parwal Masala is an Indian dish featuring pointed gourd (parwal) cooked in a spicy gravy, resulting in a distinctive brown colour and a spicy aroma. It offers a blend of hot and mildly sweet flavours that tantalise the taste buds. The soft yet slightly crunchy texture of parwal adds to its appeal. The parwal is first fried until golden brown and then simmered in a masala gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. It's typically enjoyed with steamed rice or Indian bread varieties such as roti and paratha.
3. Parwal Stir Fry:
Parwal Stir Fry highlights the unique flavour and texture of pointed gourd, cooked with a blend of spices including cumin, turmeric, and coriander. The dish offers a slightly sweet and slightly bitter flavour profile, enhanced by the mild spices. Parwal retains its delicate crunch, creating a pleasant contrast. Due to its flavourful and nutritious nature, Parwal Stir Fry is often served as a side dish with roti or rice, enhancing the overall meal experience.
4. Aloo Potoler Rosa:
Aloo Potoler Rosa is a beloved Bengali dish featuring parwal and potatoes cooked in a sweet and spicy tomato-based gravy. With a moderately thick consistency, it's a comfort food staple in Bengali households. Parwal and potatoes are cooked in a flavourful blend of tomatoes, cumin, garam masala, and other spices until tender. It's typically enjoyed with rice or roti, accentuating the dish's flavours.
Also Read: Healthy Parwal Recipes You Cannot Miss
5. Dahi Parwal:
Dahi Parwal is a delectable Indian dish combining creamy yoghurt with pointed gourds. The dish offers a tangy and slightly sweet yoghurt flavour, complemented by the soft, slightly mushy texture of the cooked parwal. Parwal is sautéed with basic spices like turmeric, salt, and chilli, then simmered in a yoghurt-based gravy. It's best served with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or paratha.
6. Parwal Korma:
Parwal Korma is a popular dish featuring tender parwal cooked in a gravy made with yoghurt, cream, and select whole spices such as cumin seeds, coriander, and garam masala. The parwal retains a slightly crunchy texture, adding to the dish's appeal. Parwal Korma is often served at weddings and festivals, pairing perfectly with pulao or naan.
7. Hariyali Parwal:
Hariyali Parwal is a flavourful dish that showcases the freshness of pointed gourds. Cooked in a light green gravy made from onions, coriander, fennel seeds, and garam masala, the dish is enriched with yogurt for better consistency. Spinach, mint, and coriander lend their green hue and herbaceous flavour to the gravy. Hariyali Parwal is typically served with Indian flatbreads like roti or paratha, or with steamed rice.
