Sorakkai Poriyal | Bottle Gourd Stir Fry

Sorakkai Poriyal, or bottle gourd stir fry, is a healthy and traditional Tamil Nadu dish that perfectly complements a variety of South Indian meals. This simple yet flavorful poriyal is made using tender bottle gourd (sorakkai in Tamil) and a freshly ground coconut-spice masala that enhances its taste and texture. It’s one of the quickest and easiest side dishes you can prepare, making it a great addition to everyday meals.

Bottle gourd is highly nutritious, known for its cooling properties and rich content of vitamins, fiber, and water. In this recipe, the mild flavor of sorakkai is elevated with a special masala made from freshly grated coconut and simple spices. This masala adds a subtle aroma and a delightful crunch to the dish. The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies gives it an authentic South Indian touch.

Sorakkai Poriyal is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with classic South Indian staples like sambar, rasam, and curd rice. It also goes well with chapati, making it suitable for those who prefer light and wholesome meals. Its straightforward preparation and minimal ingredients make it a go-to dish for busy days, while its nutritional benefits make it a favorite among health-conscious individuals.

In this blog post, I’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making Sorakkai Poriyal at home. With its perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, this traditional Tamil Nadu stir fry will surely find a place in your regular meal rotation. Let’s get started check out the recipe below.

Ingredients 

Sorakkai / Bottlegourd-2 nos medium sized or 1 big sized

Mustard seeds -1/2 Tsp 

Urad dal-1 Tsp 

Turmeric powder -1/4 Tsp 

Curry leaves few

Salt to taste 

Coriander leaves few

Oil -3 Tsps 

For Masala 

Cumin seeds -1 Tsp 

Fennel seeds -1 Tsp 

Pepper corns -1/4 Tsp 

Red chillies -4 nos

Garlic -6 nos 

Grated coconut -1/4 cup

Curry leaves -few

Recipe Video 

Method 

👉Wash and scrape the skin of the Bottlegourd and cut to small cubes.

👉Powder the ingredients given for Masala coarsely set aside.

👉Heat oil in a kadai add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves and allow it to splutter.

👉Add the Sorakkai, turmeric powder and sauté for few seconds.

👉Pour 1/2-3/4 glass of water and cook covered for 10-15 or until the Bottlegourd is done.

👉Open the lid and allow any moisture present in the veggies to evaporate completely.

👉Add required salt mix well.

👉Add the ground masala and mix everything well and continue to cook for 2-4 mins.

👉Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and switch off the gas.

👉Serve hot.

Preparation Time-20 mins

Serves-4