Budmey ka salan (Lemon cucumber curry)

                     Salan literally means curry and budmey (plural) are the round, yellow coloured vegetables with orange stripes  known as lemon cucumbers in English. So, this is a lemon cucumber curry. A very simple, very easy curry and one that is very low on calories...

                     I always thought that budmey were known as round gourd in English, after all they are so perfectly round in shape (in our region). To double sure myself, and not spread around wrong information and confuse my readers I opted to search for it online. After google-ing for about ten minutes I was surprised to know that these are called Lemon cucumbers owing to their lemon colour skin.

                     Lemon cucumbers are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, fiber and antioxidants. They have lots of seeds that can be consumed. But, too many seeds in every bite may become overwhelming as they are a little hard. So, you can choose to include seeds in your recipe or discard them or use some, may be of one lemon cucumber and discard the rest. This is what my Mom generally does but, owing to a dental issue that I was facing Mom discarded all the seeds making it seedless but it was not fruitless as the curry was still delicious. ☺

                    Lemon cucumbers are measured in kilograms like the rest of the vegetables and as I have mentioned below in ingredients list that 1kg of lemon cucumbers are used in this recipe we had 4 medium sized ones you may get more or less depending upon the size. Here comes the detailed recipe:-

Ingredients:

1. Lemon cucumbers/budmey - 1 kg
2. Onion - 1 large
3. Tomatoes - 2 to 3 nos
4. Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
5. Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
6. Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
7. Green chillies - 4 to 5 nos
8. Coriander leaves - few
9. Salt - to taste
10. Oil - 2 to 3 tbsp

Method:

• Peel the lemon cucumbers. Wash and cut them into half. Keep the seeds or discard depending on your taste (Refer 2nd para above) Thinly slice the lemon cucumber like in the picture below.
• Slice onion and tomatoes too.

• Heat oil in a pressure cooker.
• Add onions and saute for two to three minutes.
• When the onion turns slightly translucent add salt, ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder and turmeric powder.
• Now add the sliced tomatoes and lemon cucumbers. Pour in half a cup of water. (You won't need more as the vegetables will also release some)
• Close the pressure cooker with its lid and pressure cook for three to four whistles. 
• Let the steam subside on its own, open the lid

• Stir gently. Place back the vessel on flame.
• Slit and add green chillies followed by chopped coriander leaves.
• Cover and cook on low flame for five to seven minutes. 
• Turn out the flame and serve hot.

                                    

         In our home we love to have it with steamed rice along with some  Tala hua ghosht (Mutton fry) for a satisfying meal. You should try it too. 

         If you are looking for more such simple and nutritious vegetable curries then do check out Dondakayal curry (Ivy gourd curry), Onion capsicum masala, Drumsticks besan curry, Eggplant & potato curry and Beans and potato curry from My Mom's Kitchen.

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Happy Cooking!!!