Shahi Parwal (Pointed Gourd) Curry/Potol–Kalia

Hi friends,
Today we are going to make Shahi Parwal Curry, a delicious dish made with parwal. It is a traditional Bengali recipe and very tasty to eat. The process of making this dish is very easy and requires a few ingredients.

Cooking time – 40 minutes.   Serve – 4.
Ingredients –
1.Parwal  – 500 grams.
2.Tomato – 1 (chopped)
3.Onion – 1 (chopped)
4.Ginger paste – 1/2 tsp.
5.Garlic paste – 1/2 tsp.
6.Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp.
7.Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp.
8.Chilly powder – 1/2 tsp.
9.Cumin powder – 1/2 tsp.
10.Cashew nuts – 50 grams.
11.Salt to taste.
12.Sugar – 1/2 tsp.
13.Oil – 1/2 cup.
14.Ghee – 1 tsp.
15.Garam masala powder – 1/2 tsp.
16.Raisins – 2 tbsp.
Method –
1.Peel off the parwals and wash well, make slits in two ends  (do not cut into halves) and marinate with 1/2 tsp.of salt and a pinch of turmeric. Using 1/2 cup of milk grind cashew nuts to a paste. Keep it aside. Grind tomato to a paste and transfer it to a bowl. To this add ginger,garlic,chilly, turmeric cumin powder and 1/2 cup of water.mix well and keep the masala mix aside.
2.Heat oil in a frying pan, fry the parwals till light brown,remove from oil and keep aside.Add cumin seeds in the remaining oil. When the cumin looks brown add onion, fry till onion turns translucent. Add the masala mix and sugar, Saute on slow flame until the raw smell of the masala goes off. Add cashew paste and saute for 2 minutes. Add 1 to 11/2 cups of water and salt, let it bring to boil. Add the fried parwals and cook till the parwals are soft. If needed add little warm water and keep cooking till all the water evaporates. Add ghee,garam masala powder and raisins and mix well. Remove pan from heat,cover the pan and give 10 minutes standing time. Serve the delicious Shahi Parwal Curry as a side dish with rice/roti or pararha.