Vellarikka (English Cucumber) Kalan

The mister carries lunch to office and it's quite a challenge to dish up something new every day (Ok, this never happens...but I try ;)) It helps that he isnt as food savvy as I am. So, any simple gravy and a dry side dish would make him immensely happy :)
Today it was this simple vellarikka kalan :)

Ingredients:

Vellarikka  -- 1 small, cut into cubes
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Chilly powder - 1 tbsp
Salt - To taste
Curd - 250 ml

To Grind:

Grated Coconut -- 3 tbsps
Cumin seeds - a pinch
Green chilly - 2-3

Grind the above into a fine paste.

Seasoning:
1. Coconut oil - 1 tbsp
2. Dry red chilly - 2-3
3. Fenugreek seeds - 1 tsp
4. Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Method:
1. In a vessel, cook the cucumber in about 1/4 cup of water. Add salt, turmeric and chilly powder as well. Cook covered on low flame until the cucumber is well cooked.
2. Add the ground mixture to the cooked cucumber, increase flame and cook until all the water has evaporated.
3. While the cucumber gets cooked, whip up the curd nicely.
4. Reduce the flame, add the curd, stir continuously and bring it close to a boil. You have to take the curry off the stove just before it boils.
5. To garnish, take a pan & splutter a few mustard seeds. Throw in the dry red chilly, fenugreek seeds and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds and add to the curry.

This is a simple no-frill dish, and can be prepared rather easily.