🌿 Chow Chow Thogayal | Healthy & Flavorful South Indian Chutney

A humble veggie skin’s journey to your plate — wholesome and lip-smacking!

Chow Chow, also known as chayote squash, is a versatile vegetable popular in South Indian cooking. Its mild sweetness and crunchy texture hold well in curries and chutneys. The skin, often discarded, is packed with fiber and nutrients — making this chow chow skin thogayal a clever, delicious way to use every bit of the vegetable.

🛒 Ingredients

• Chow Chow skin (peeled) – 2 cups
• Urad dal – 1 tbsp
• Chana dal – 1 tbsp
• Dry red chili – 5 to 6
• Grated coconut – ¼ cup
• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
• Salt – to taste
• Tamarind – small gooseberry size
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Curry leaves – a few
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Water – as needed

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Peel the chow chow and thoroughly wash the skin 2–3 times under running water. Use only the middle portion of the skin, discarding the top and bottom parts.

2. Heat oil in a pan. Add urad dal and chana dal, roasting until golden and aromatic.

3. Add dry red chilies and fry for 1 minute, then add a pinch of asafoetida.

4. Add the chow chow skin pieces and saute on medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the skin shrink and softens it without burning the dals.

5. Add tamarind and saute for 1 minute.

6. Once cooked, add grated coconut and mix well. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

7. Transfer the mixture to a blender, add salt, and grind gradually with water into a thick paste.

8. For tempering: Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Once they splutter, pour this tempering over the ground thogayal and mix well.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a tasty side with hot steamed rice.
• Mix a spoonful into rice with a drizzle of ghee for extra flavor.
• Enjoy alongside dosa or chapathi for a wholesome meal.

🌟 Health Benefits of Chow Chow Skin in Thogayal

• High Fiber Content: Promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
• Blood Sugar Control: Low carbohydrates and high fiber help maintain stable glucose levels.
• Weight Management: Fiber keeps you fuller longer, aiding appetite control.
• Skin Health: Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C for glowing skin.
• Eye Health: Contains nutrients that support good vision.

Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful South Indian thogayal that transforms a humble vegetable skin into a delightful, healthful accompaniment!

Video Tutorial