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Olan - Ash Gourd - Lentil Kerala curry

  
Olan is a classic Kerala dish made with ash gourd and cowpea / black eyed pea. This simple recipe comes together in no time. With just few ingredients, this recipe is super easy and healthy as well. Diced ash gourd is simmered in coconut milk along with the curry leaves and green chillies. The flavors are extremely delicate and lite. It is best served with rice and is an integral part of the famous "Kerala Sadhya" The simplicity of this dish is what really makes it a winner. And yet the flavors are so robust.

Lets see how its done. Step by step images below

See Notes: ** for clearing any doubt you would have. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 small ash gourd (200 gm)
  • 200 ml coconut milk first press
  • 3-4 green chillies split
  • 1/4 cup cow peas or Lobia (Black eyed bean)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • 5 curry leaves
  • Salt to taste

Method:
  1. Boil beans till just done. You would want them cooked but not mushy. I pressure cook them for about 4 whistles. ** 
  2. Once the cow peas are cooked, drain and keep aside. 
  3. Meanwhile, peel and cut the ash gourd into chunky pieces after removing skin. 
  4. Cook the cut ash gourd with some water along with slit green chillies and salt on medium flame
  5. Check the ash gourd and once cooked through, add in the boiled/cooked cow peas/chawli 
  6. Mix well and check for seasoning at this stage
  7. Add required salt if necessary 
  8.  Pour coconut milk and stir well**.
  9.  Let it simmer for 2-3 mins, Don't allow to boil.
  10. Finally, add the curry leaves and a teaspoon coconut oil.
  11.  Switch off the heat and keep it closed for about 10 mins. 
  12.  It is ready to be served and relished with some hot rice, alternatively goes well with appam as well. 
Notes: 
  • I usually soak the cow peas a night before and then pressure cook it for 3 whistles later 
  • Make sure they are cooked well but not mushy. 
  • You can use fresh coconut milk as well. I use the store bought coconut milk
  • Make sure to drain the water from the beans and then use, or else the colour of olan will change to brown which we do not want. Typically it should be white in colour. 
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