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    You are Here: Masala Herb Β» Recipes Β» Side dishes

    Goan Spiced Snake Gourd Recipe

    Dec 21, 2022 by Helene Dsouza

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    • Bluesky
    Helene Dsouza
    This Snake Gourd Recipe is a spiced side dish. Serve it up as a side dish with Indian or Asian food. This is a vegan, gluten-free low carb side dish.
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    2 servings
    RECIPE
    Goan Snake Gourd Recipe

    A flavorful Snake Gourd Recipe side dish from the sunny coastline state in India, Goa.

    This is a quick and easy spiced snake gourd recipe also known as a bhaji or sabzi in India.

    Goan Snake Gourd Recipe Stir Fry Bhaji - 15 Minute One-Pot Vegan & Gluten-Free In India the snake gourd is known under many different names. The local vendors in Goa usually know it simply as Snake Gourd. Some other names for the Snake Gourd are serpent gourd, chichinda (ΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€£ΰ₯ΰ€‘ΰ€Ύ in Hindi) and padwal.
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    • πŸ› Serving Suggestions
    • πŸ“– Recipe
    • πŸ’¬ Comments

    Just to clarify quickly, this snake gourd recipe is about an Asian gourd variety, which kind of looks like a snake.

    I hope the recipe title didn't freak you out.

    Not that you thought we would be cooking up some snake meat.

    This commonly available gourd in asia is known as the snake gourd.

    It's a green long hanging fruit, growing on a vine plant, with chalk white stripes.

    Commonly found in Asia, the snake gourd resembles the Ridge Gourd (Luffa) in many ways.

    While Ridge gourd is more spongy and watery, the Snake gourd has a more solid texture and in my opinion it's a tiny bit more bitter.

    The skin of the snake gourd is not that thick, compared to the Ridge Gourd, and it can grow up to 1 Β½ meters long!

    Yes the snake gourd is an unusual looking vegetable and if seen hanging you would be surprised by the snake gourd's growing habits.

    The gourd grows from a beautiful pollinated white lace like flower, the fruit has a tendency to curl up, which makes it look even more like a serpent (check out this painted Snake Gourd Art which I found by accident).

    In Goa, the whitish soft skinned Snake Gourd is commonly used in bhajis/sabzi (spiced vegetable side dishes) and it's for sure one of the cheaper vegetables in the market.

    It's a very popular vegetable for the locals!

    If you are in Goa then you can buy it in the Mapusa Market or other city markets.

    Also Snake Gourd can be commonly bought around major vegetable shops along the coastline, such as in Chapora and Vagator.

    Goan Snake Gourd Recipe Stir Fry Bhaji - 15 Minute One-Pot Vegan & Gluten-Free In India the snake gourd is known under many different names. The local vendors in Goa usually know it simply as Snake Gourd. Some other names for the Snake Gourd are serpent gourd, chichinda (ΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€£ΰ₯ΰ€‘ΰ€Ύ in Hindi) and padwal.

    The snake Gourd should be available all over South Asia.

    If you live in one of the Western countries then you might be able to buy the Snake gourd in a specialized Asian market.

    In India the snake gourd is known under many different names.

    The local vendors in Goa usually know it simply as Snake Gourd.

    Some other names for the Snake Gourd are serpent gourd, chichinda (ΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€£ΰ₯ΰ€‘ΰ€Ύ in Hindi) and padwal.

    The Ganesh Chathruthi Hindu festival will be celebrated by the end of August this year and that's when I usualy go to the  nearest city market, to keep an eye out for seasonal lesser common vegetables and fruits such as the Hog Plum, Elephant root, taro (arbi), Soursop and Air Potato.

    I got some Hog plums for a curry. I was aiming to buy a Soursop, but the lady was selling 1 tiny fruit for 500 INR ( 8 USD!!) so I left that and turned my attention towards a healthy firm batch of Snake Gourds.

    I stopped the vendor before she was about to break it into 2 pieces (it's really long), just so that I could make some pictures to show you what it looks like.

    The snake gourd tastes a bit bitter but you don't really notice it compared to the Bitter Melon (Karela). In fact the flavor might remind you of Zucchini and Cucumbers.

    The snake gourd flesh texture is similar to a white long pumpkin, the skin however is very waxy.

    It's easy to prepare the snake gourd for cooking, peel and cut it and that's it.

    The snake gourd seeds are soft and you don't notice them while enjoying the snake gourd in a dish which is another plus point.

    So how does it come that this wondrous good sounding vegetable hasn't been commonly sold in the western countries yet?

    Goan Snake Gourd Recipe Stir Fry Bhaji - 15 Minute One-Pot Vegan & Gluten-Free In India the snake gourd is known under many different names. The local vendors in Goa usually know it simply as Snake Gourd. Some other names for the Snake Gourd are serpent gourd, chichinda (ΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€£ΰ₯ΰ€‘ΰ€Ύ in Hindi) and padwal.

    Well, apparently it requires warmer nights, so European conditions for example are not favored at all, and most probably they don't export it over thousands of kilometers because it might be vulnerable to damage along the transportation.

    However, I did notice that you can buy snake gourd seeds easily to grow the gourds at home and they seem to be rather inexpensive as well!

    The spices in this Goan snake gourd recipe enhance the flavor of the gourd in such a natural and completing manner that it turned into one of my favorite bhaji sides with fish curry and rice.

    The snake gourd stir fry is flavorful but not hot, I don't add that much red chili powder.

    Also, the freshly scraped coconut added at the end is neutralizing any chili heat.

    The pure vegan Snake gourd recipe is ready in less than 15 minutes and you will only need one pot to make it happen.

    My husband isn't that much of a fan of this gourd, he prefers his beloved Red Spinach aka Red Amaranth aka Tambdi Bhaji.

    I, on the other hand absolutely adore this vegetable and I am planning to share a seasonal snake gourd curry soon as well!

    πŸ› Serving Suggestions

    • Nutritious wholesome Brown Rice or aromatic Basmati Rice
    • Moringa Pod Curry
    • Shrimp Curry
    • Chapati Flat Bread
    Goan Snake Gourd Recipe Stir Fry Bhaji - 15 Minute One-Pot Vegan & Gluten-Free In India the snake gourd is known under many different names. The local vendors in Goa usually know it simply as Snake Gourd. Some other names for the Snake Gourd are serpent gourd, chichinda (ΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€£ΰ₯ΰ€‘ΰ€Ύ in Hindi) and padwal.

    Dear Reader, have you ever had the chance to eat or cook with a snake gourd?

    Goan Snake Gourd Recipe Stir Fry Bhaji - 15 Minute One-Pot Vegan & Gluten-Free In India the snake gourd is known under many different names. The local vendors in Goa usually know it simply as Snake Gourd. Some other names for the Snake Gourd are serpent gourd, chichinda (ΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€šΰ€Ώΰ€£ΰ₯ΰ€‘ΰ€Ύ in Hindi) and padwal.

    πŸ“– Recipe

    Goan Snake Gourd Recipe

    Snake Gourd Recipe

    This Snake Gourd Recipe is a spiced side dish. Serve it up as a side dish with Indian or Asian food. This is a vegan, gluten-free low carb side dish.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegan
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 135kcal
    Recipe by: Helene Dsouza

    Ingredients

    For the Stir Fry

    • 11 ounces Snake Gourd
    • 1 piece Onion
    • 1 piece Tomato
    • 1 piece Green Chili Pepper fresh
    • 1 Tablespoon Oil
    • Β½ Teaspoon Turmeric Ground
    • ΒΌ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Ground
    • ΒΌ Teaspoon Black Pepper Ground
    • Β½ Teaspoon Coriander Seeds Ground
    • Β½ Teaspoon Cumin Seeds Ground
    • Salt to taste
    • Water just enough to cook

    to Garnish:

    • Coconut Raw Freshly Shredded
    US - Metric

    Instructions

    • Cut/Break your snake gourd into half. Peel it and cut lengthwise into half then cut into thicker slices. We need 300 grams of the snake gourd, Store the rest in the fridge for later use.
      Snake gourd bhaji recipe http://masalaherb.com #stepbystep #recipe
    • Peel your onion, quarter it and cut thin slices. Cut your tomato into small dices and just chop your green chili
      Snake gourd bhaji recipe http://masalaherb.com #stepbystep #recipe
    • In a pot heat up the oil and add the onion first, fry translucent on a slow to medium flame. Add in the Tomato, Snake Gourd pieces and Green Chili and stir fry. Cook all that for 3-5 minutes or until the vegetable liquids appear in the pot. Add in as well the spices, turmeric powder, chili powder, pepper, cumin powder and coriander seed powder and stir fry.
      Snake gourd bhaji recipe http://masalaherb.com #stepbystep #recipe
    • Add just enough water to cover the vegetables in the pot and not more. Let cook on a slow to medium flame for about 8-10 minutes or until the water has reduced completely and the gourd has cooked.
      Snake gourd bhaji recipe http://masalaherb.com #stepbystep #recipe
    • Season with salt to taste.Garnish with freshly scraped Coconut before serving

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Snake Gourd Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (915 g)
    Calories 135 Calories from Fat 63
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7g11%
    Sodium 121mg5%
    Potassium 279mg8%
    Carbohydrates 15g5%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 4g4%
    Protein 2g4%
    Vitamin A 615IU12%
    Vitamin C 15.2mg18%
    Calcium 59mg6%
    Iron 3.2mg18%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    I am Helene, and I created Masala Herb in 2011. Here you will learn to cook with spices and herbs. I share from scratch, international food recipes and my mission is to teach you to cook flavorful food at home. Read More…

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    1. Elvin C. Schafer says

      June 28, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      I raised them in Arkansas Years ago. An now I planted some here in Splendora Texas today I picked 15 big ones I have always fried them like You would a cucumber or green tomoto .A i saw somewhere that was good in a casserole .So I am looking for a casserole recipe

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        June 30, 2021 at 4:00 pm

        I will try to come up with a snake gourd casserole recipe. Thanks for the idea.

        Reply
    2. Eva Taylor says

      August 04, 2017 at 5:34 pm

      Yes, indeed there was a little freak out going on here! I had to read the title a few times hahaha! Such an interesting vegetable, normally I don't enjoy (even the slightest) bitter things but the curry recipe looks wonderful.

      Reply
    3. Aarti K says

      July 06, 2015 at 5:23 am

      Just a quick note to say that Indians Always cut out the middle white pith, seeds and fiber and discard them. That's what makes this veggie slightly bitter.

      Reply
    4. Kumar's Kitchen says

      September 25, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      yummmm....we love snake gourd dishes and this is one of our favorite ways to savor it πŸ™‚

      Reply
    5. Kitchen Belleicious says

      September 25, 2013 at 8:12 am

      yum yum yum! It looks amazing and delicious and just so hearty

      Reply
    6. rebecca says

      September 25, 2013 at 7:59 am

      looks great love all the gourds in India and the drum sticks growing on the trees

      Reply
    7. Ash-foodfashionparty says

      September 21, 2013 at 10:34 pm

      haha...In fact you can find a 3 foot to 4 food snake gourd too. Back in the villages in India, after purchasing from the market, I've seen the cooks bring this vegetable back hung like a scarf on their necks.
      We make a lot of this, and the vegetable is so tasty. The bhaajee is so yummy looking.

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:48 pm

        I have never seen such big ones here, just wow Ash!! I would love to come across a local farmer who grows such big snake gourds. The picture with the snake gourd hanging like a scarf on the neck must be amazing. Wish I could take a snap like that. =)

        Reply
    8. Vicki Bensinger says

      September 21, 2013 at 7:13 pm

      Wow isn't this a fun veggie. I've never seen one quite so twirly. I'll have to see if I can seek one out just for grins and to try your recipe. Lucky you!

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:46 pm

        They do look very unusual no? You might be able to buy a snake gourd in a asian store.

        Reply
        • Vicki Be says

          September 24, 2013 at 10:49 pm

          I'll try that, thanks!

          Reply
    9. wok with ray says

      September 20, 2013 at 8:53 pm

      You really got my attention there, Helene. I really thought this post is about a snake dish, ha ha. I have eaten gourds but never eaten nor seen a snake gourd. That really looks like a snake but set that aside, your dish is wonderfully delicious. Have a good weekend, Helene! πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:44 pm

        lol Snake gourds I quite something unusual no? πŸ˜‰
        Thank you Ray, hope you had a lovely weekend too.

        Reply
    10. Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:52 pm

      I have seen snake gourd at an Indian store here called Cherians...but I was always hesitant to get it - thanks so much for explaning the prep involved. This snake gourd bhaji looks so wonderful!

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:40 pm

        I think so you will enjoy the bhaji recipe Shashi. I know what you mean, I didn't know how to use it at the beginning when I saw it first in the market.

        Reply
    11. john@kitchenriffs says

      September 20, 2013 at 9:20 pm

      Gotta say that snake gourds aren't common in supermarkets in the US. πŸ˜‰ Although I believe you can get them at Asian grocery stores (I think I've seen them there). Anyway, I've never cooked with a snake gourd. Really should, just for the amusement factor when I tell guests what they're eating! Good recipe - thanks.

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:45 pm

        Well, I hadn't thought of that, but now I know how I can freak out my parents when they come here. lol

        Reply
    12. Charles says

      September 20, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      Ok, I think there's precisely *zero* possibility of me ever seeing a snake gourd in my life, lol! It looks so cool though... would love to try it... one of these things I'll just have to dream about though. Looks like a lovely dish Helene!

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:38 pm

        Ha! Who knows, you might just stumble upon a snake gourd one fine day when you expect it the least. Well, at least you know now how to use it. πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    13. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

      September 20, 2013 at 4:32 pm

      In Australia, the Indian chef who taught me onion bhajis made them like a deep fried fritter similar to a pakora but he said his was a bhaji because he was from the south. Yours looks totally different but it looks very appetizing!

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:37 pm

        Yes that will be correct. Honestly I don't know much about south Indian food. We would just call them pakoras if deep fried with batter. =)

        Reply
    14. Angie@Angie's Recipes says

      September 20, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      I have never had a snake gourd.....this looks very flavourful.

      Reply
      • Helene Dsouza says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:35 pm

        I haven't seen snake gourd in Europe, so it will be difficult to get some and try. Hope you 'll get a chance to try it in the future Angie.

        Reply

    Welcome

    Hi there! I'm Helene and here you will learn how to cook with spices and herbs. Discover global food and learn to season your food like a pro. Read more about my work and mission or head over to my food ingredient space, Unknownbite.com, and our travel space, Paulmarina.com!

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