Teasel Gourd Fritters or "Phagila Podi" in Konkani

Teasel Gourd or "Phaagil" is very popular vegetable in the coastal regions of India widely available during the monsoon season.
The most common side dish made with this vegetable is the "Phaagila Podi" or Teasel Gourd fritters which we all love.
This is another snack/side-dish which my Mom makes quite often during this season.
Teasels have good medicinal properties. They are good source of antibiotics and also help in improving blood circulation.
The Konkani community love this vegetable so much that it is part of all festivals that come in the monsoon. 


Serves 3
Ingredients :
Teasel gourd - 6

Red chilli powder - 2 tbsp
Hing /Asofoetida - 1 tsp
Tamarind juice - 1 tsp
Turmeric - 1 tsp
Rice flour - 2 tbsp
Vegetable Oil for deep frying or Olive oil for shallow fry
Salt to taste
Method :
Cut the teasel gourd into thin slices horizontally or half the whole teasel gourd and cut into slices vertically.
Make a paste of red chilli powder, salt, tamarind and hing/Asofoetida. Now coat the  teasel gourd slices with this paste on all sides. Coat the slices with rice flour and keep aside.
Heat a deep fry pan with oil, and deep fry the slices till evenly golden on all sides.
Drain on kitchen towel.
Optional :
Heat a shallow fry pan, put 2 tbsp olive oil and shallow fry the slices evenly on both sides.Drain on kitchen towel.
This can be eaten as a snack or as a side dish with rice and dal.