Peel ridge gourd and remove all the greens.Chop them into small pieces.
1 ½ pound ridge gourd
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, chana dal, and mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
1 tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp cumin seeds, 2 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp chana dal
Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent.
1 onion
Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt as per taste.
2 tomatoes, 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder, ½ tsp garam masala, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, salt to taste
Cook until the tomatoes become mushy.
Add the ridge gourd pieces to the pan. Mix well to ensure they are coated with the spices, then cover with a lid and let it cook on medium flame.
1 ½ pound ridge gourd
Once the ridge gourds become soft, pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Allow the curry to come to a gentle boil over medium heat.
1 cup coconut milk
Adjust the seasoning if required. Transfer the curry to a serving bowl and enjoy the ridge gourd recipe hot paired with steamed rice and a dry curry side dish.