Bengaluru vankaya (chayote/chocho) subzi

Bengaluru vankaya is known as chocho in some places and also called chayote in USA.  It is a gourd like squash that is the size of a large pear and also has the pear shape. It cooks easily and can be used in subzis, sambar or kootu etc.

  

Ingredients:

·        1 chayote, cut into ½” pieces

·        3 tbsp shredded coconut

·        Salt to taste


                        

For seasoning:

·        2 tsp oil

·        1 tsp chana dal

·        1 tsp urad dal

·        ½ tsp mustard seeds

·        1 red chili

·        A few curry leaves

Directions:

1.     Add the chili, dals and mustard seeds to hot oil.

2.     Add curry leaves and chayote pieces.

3.     Sprinkle a little water and cook until nearly tender.

4.     Add shredded coconut and salt; let cook for a few additional minutes.

Variation:

Instead of grated coconut, roasted sesame seed powder can be added.

In place of Chayote you can use snake gourd, green beans, snap beans or fresh fava beans also.