Haryana Kachri Ki Sabzi Wild Melon Dried Curry Haryanvi

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dried kachri powder (dried and powdered wild melon — a souring agent available at Rajasthani and Haryanvi stores; or use 200g fresh kachri if available — a small bitter wild melon)
• 1 medium onion — finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes — finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp amchur
• Salt
• Fresh coriander
• 1/2 cup water

Method

1. If using dried kachri powder: soak in 4 tbsp warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate slightly.
2. If using fresh kachri: wash and chop into small pieces.
3. The fresh fruit is sour and slightly bitter.
4. Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add cumin — sizzle. Add finely chopped onion. Cook 8 minutes until golden.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste. Cook 2 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes.
6. Cook 7 minutes until oil separates.
7. Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder and salt. Cook 2 minutes.
8. Add the rehydrated kachri powder paste or fresh kachri pieces. Add amchur. Stir well.
9. Add 1/2 cup water. Simmer on medium for 10 to 12 minutes until the oil surfaces and the curry has a pleasant sour depth.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve with bajra roti or chapati.