Seemebadane/Chowchow upkari

        Seemebadane ( also known as chowchow/chayote squash) is a Kannada word used for the vegetable and used the same in Konkani too. It entered recently in our  kitchen and not a vegetable which is commonly used. It can be used to make  tava fries and also can be used in sambhars and Upkaris .so lets learn the process of making upkari which is very simple but very healthy.

Seemebadane/Chowchow

Ingredients:

• 2 tender chowchow
• 1 medium sized potato
• 2 red chillies
• 1 tsp of mustard seeds
• A sprig of curry leaves
• Tbsp of cooking oil
• Salt to taste
• Jaggery a tsp(optional)
• Tbsp of coconut gratings
• Pinch hing

1. Peel the skin of the chow chow and potatoes(optional) and chop them thinly lenght wise .
   Immerse them in water until ready to use as to get rid of the stickiness from chow chow               
2. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds ,when they splutter add hing, curry leaves and red chillies and fry.
3. Add the chopped veggies, salt ,water and cook on low flame for some time.
4. When it is half done add grated coconut , jaggery (optional) and cook again closing the lid till done.

Notes:

1. 1. Choose the chowchow which are tender.. there should be no thorns on the surface and they should be soft to touch.
   2. Add water carefully as they cook very fast