I always associated Cucumbers with Salads and Raitas(Dip). I would never have thought about cooking with cucumbers/kakdi. This is my sister's recipe. Once on a phone call with my sister I happened to mention to her I have no vegetables in the house and it was almost time to make lunch. I said my fridge just has some cucumbers, tomatoes and jalapenos. She said make Kakdi (Cucumber) ki subzi. That was the first time I heard of such kind of subzi. I made it and it was super delicious and super easy to make. I've been making this subzi since then and its become a regular at out house now. It goes well with hot phulkas (Indian bread).
Ingredients :
- 2-3 medium sized Cucumbers (Kakdi) peeled and chopped
- 1 large tomato chopped
- *2 jalapenos chopped
- 2-3 curry leaves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin-coriander powder
- salt to taste
- oil
* You can reduce the heat of this dish by just using 1 jalapeno. If you do not have jalapenos use 2-3 green chillies instead.
Preparation:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds. When they crackle add curry leaves followed by tomatoes and chopped jalapenos.Let it cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes.
- Now add the dry spices- turmeric powder , red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder and salt. Give it a good stir. Add the chopped cucumber and mix it well. Cook covered on medium-low heat for about 7-8 minutes. Just keep stirring from time to time and sprinkle a little water if required.
- When cooked take it off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped Cilantro. Serve this tangy and spicy Kakdi (Cucumber) Ki Subzi with hot phulkas.