Do your kids turn their noses up at healthy vegetables like Tori? Tori, also known as Torai and ridge gourd, is a healthy vegetable that contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. If your kid often leaves the food on their plate when you prepare this dish, there’s a solution to the problem. Bharwa Tori is sure to make them fall in love with this veggie. Here’s an easy and quick recipe for making stuffed Tori at home.

Ingredients you need:

•    500 grams of tori (ridge gourd)
•    4 tablespoons of cooking oil
•    2 tablespoons coriander powder
•    Salt to taste
•    1 chopped tomato (optional)
•    1 chopped onion
•    ¾ tablespoon of cumin powder
•    1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
•    1 teaspoon of dry mango powder (aamchoor)
•    1 tablespoon of red chilli powder
•    ½ teaspoon of hing
•    1 teaspoon of fennel powder (saunf)

Follow these instructions:

Step 1- Wash and clean the tori. Peel them using a knife or a peeler. Make a long cut in all the ridge gourd pieces. 

Step 2- Heat oil in a pan. Add a small amount of cumin and let it splutter. Then, add chopped onion and tomato.

Step 3- Once they are done, add coriander and fennel powder. Roast the spices for 5 minutes. 

Step 4- Add the remaining spices to the pan and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. When it starts emanating a nice aroma, turn the heat off and let it cool.

Step 5- Fill each ridge gourd piece with the prepared mixture of spices. If required, you can tie a white thread around the ridge gourd to secure the filling. 

Step 6- Heat oil in the same pan. Place all the stuffed ridge gourd pieces in the pan. Cover them with the remaining masala. Cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until they become tender. Keep the pan covered and keep checking every 4 minutes. Flip the ridge gourd occasionally.

Step 7- When the dish looks done, turn off the heat. 

Your Bharwa Tori is ready to be served. Enjoy it with roti or paratha.