Peerkangai Paal Curry | Ridge Gourd Milk Curry
Peerkangai Paal Curry, also known as Peerkangai paal kootu, is a tasty traditional comforting South Indian curry made with ridge gourd (peerkangai) and milk (paal). It is a light, creamy curry with a mild pepper flavour that makes it both soothing and delicious. This dish is popular in Tamil Nadu and is often served with steamed rice or idli for a wholesome meal.
This simple curry is made by cooking chopped ridge gourd with basic South Indian spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Once the vegetable turns soft, milk is added to give it a smooth, rich taste. A touch of black pepper powder brings a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the ridge gourd. The result is a mild, flavorful curry that feels light on the stomach yet full of taste.I have cooked this curry entirely in a pressure cooker.
Unlike heavy gravies or spicy curries, Peerkangai Paal Curry is simple, nutritious, and quick to make — perfect for everyday home cooking.
Each ingredient plays a perfect balance and brings out flavour.Peerkangai (Ridge Gourd) being a soft, water-rich vegetable helps cool the body and aids digestion.While milk adds a mild creaminess and natural sweetness to the curry.Black Pepper Powder gives a warm and earthy spice flavor.Tempering of curry leaves & mustard seeds, cumin seeds add aroma and the signature South Indian touch.Moreover adding garlic enhances flavour and adds a light savory note.
Health Benefits
This curry is packed with goodness. Ridge gourd is rich in vitamins, fiber, and water — great for digestion and hydration. Milk provides calcium and protein, while pepper supports immunity. Since it’s made with minimal oil and simple spices, it’s easy on the stomach and suitable for all ages.Moreover it is naturally gluten-free comforting and perfect for daily meals.
Serve Peerkangai Paal Curry hot with steamed rice, jeera rice. It also tastes great with idli, dosa, or chapati. A side of pickle or papad makes the meal even better.
In short, Peerkangai Paal Curry is a humble yet delicious Tamil-style curry that proves that simple home cooking can be both nutritious and flavorful. With the goodness of milk, pepper, and ridge gourd, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your plate every time.Check out the recipe
Ingredients
Peerkangai (Ridge gourd )-2 nos
Onion-1-2 nos
Garlic -4 nos
Green Chilies -1-2 nos
Red chillies-1-2 nos
Turmeric powder-1/8 tsp
Pepper powder -1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Boiled cooled Milk-1/2 cup
Mustard seeds -1/4 tsp
Urad dal-1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds -1/4 tsp
Asafoetida-1/4 tsp
Curry leaves -few
Coriander leaves -few
Oil-1 tsp
Recipe Video
Method
✍️Wash, peel and cut the ridgegourd to bite sized cubes, set aside.
✍️Heat oil in a pressure cooker add mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds, red chilies, green chilies, garlic and curry leaves saute well .
✍️Add Peerkangai, onion, turmeric powder,required salt and 1 cup water and mix well .
✍️Pressure cook for 2 whistles and switch off the gas allow the pressure to subside naturally.
✍️Open the cooker and again switch on the gas allow the kootu to thicken a bit and mash the Peerkangai lightly now add pepper powder mix well.
✍️Finally add boiled cooled milk (Note :you can add coconut milk too instead of milk)and mix well.Continue to cook for another 2-4 minutes.
✍️Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and switch off the gas.
✍️Serve hot and enjoy.
Total Preparation Time-20 minutes
Serves-3