Chayote Squash Curry (Seemebadnekai Palya)

5 from 30 votes

Chayote Squash Curry (Seemebadnekai Palya)

Karnataka-style seemebadanekayi palya or chayote squash curry is an easy dish that is a part of everyday meals. It pairs very well with both rice/dal and roti. Making it in the Instant Pot saves time, giving you perfect taste and texture.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Hindu, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 76kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

Ingredients

4 large chayote squash (approximately 5 cups when cut)
2 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 dry red chili
2 teaspoon split black gram (urad dal)
2 teaspoon split Bengal gram (chana dal)
½ teaspoon asafetida (hing)
1 sprig curry leaves
1-2 green chili finely chopped
½ inch ginger finely chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
½-¾ teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)
2 tablespoon coconut grated
2 tablespoon cilantro
½ lemon or lime
¼-½ cup water see notes

Instructions

Wash and peel the chowchow. Cut them in half and remove the seed. Chop them into small pieces.
Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and add coconut oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal, dry red chili, hing, and turmeric.
Add curry leaves, ginger, and green chili. Saute for about a minute.
Add the chopped squash and salt. Add ¼ cup water.
Mix well and deglaze the pot.
Secure the IP lid and set it to pressure cook mode for 3 minutes.
Do a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
Set the Instant Pot back to saute mode for 2 minutes so that the excess moisture dried.
Add lemon/lime juice, coconut, and cilantro. Mix well.
Serve hot with rice or roti.

Video

Notes

In this dish, I have used 4 large chowchows. After peeling, removing seeds, and chopping, I got around 5 cups.

Cut the squash into uniform-sized pieces. This way, they will cook evenly.

I am making this dish in an 8-quart Instant Pot and using ½ cup of water. If you use a smaller IP, use ¼ cup of water. Chayote squash releases a lot of moisture, which is sufficient to cook them.

Be patient. The pressure will build once the squash starts to release water content. Don't be tempted to add more water.

Nutrition