Chayote (Summer Squash) Curry

Wile E. Chayote

Chayote {rhymes with cayote}, or vegetable pear, is a summer squash that we get from the Indian grocery store; it can also be found in many Caribbean, Mexican, and Asian stores. This recipe is very similar to lauki curry, except I found I like the taste of chayote better.

Ingredients:

2 chayote squashes

2 tbsp oil (olive oil)

1/2 tbsp salt

1/4 tsp mustard seed powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)

2 tsp coriander seed powder (dhania)

1/2 tsp cumin powder (jeera powder)

1/8 - 1/4 chili powder

1/2 tsp garam masala

1 cup tomato juice

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the squashes.

2. Heat the oil on low in a pan or pressure cooker.  After a few minutes, add the chayote squash pieces.

3. Add the mustard seed, coriander seed, cumin, chili, turmeric, and salt and stir.

4. Add the garam masala, stir, and add the tomato juice.  Mix and let heat for 10 minutes.

5. Then, if cooking in a pressure cooker, put the lid on and cook until the first whistle; if cooking in a pan, cook for 15 minutes or until the pieces are as soft as you would like them.