Watermelon white portion (peel) sabji
Do you know that the rind of water melon is edible? The term rind usually refers to the skin or peel of a fruit.
In watermelon, the rind consists of two parts – the outer green skin and the inner white pulp.The outer green skin of the rind is hard and inedible, so it is discarded. The inner whitish part of the rind is edible, although it has a bland taste when raw and is not as soft as the central red part.
About water melon white rind it is said that is very helpful in relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure as it has a high dose of cirulline amino acid .Finding a use for it also helps cut down on the amount of garbage you produce, so it’s good for the environment as well.So why to throw it, and try making its sabji.
It is very simple, tasty and easy to make. It tastes very similar to loki(bottle gourd), cucumber, turai all water based vegetable group.
My Mom use to make it, i remember enjoying it a lot, hope my version is nearest to hers
Ingredients
1 cup water melon white rind peeled and cut
1medium sized chopped onion
1medium sized chopped tomato
1tbsp finely chopped garlic
1tsp ginger grated
1 finely chopped green chilli
Salt to taste
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
1 red chili cut into big pieces
1 tsp. Mango powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
Method
Heat the oil in pan on medium high heat. Add asafetida, cumin seeds and dry red chili, let it splutter till it stops.
Add the grated ginger,garlic chopped onions and saute until it turns transparent.
Add the chopped tomatoes, peeled and chopped water melon white rind, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, mango powder and green chillies.Mix well.
Do not add water because water melon rind is cooked in its own water.
Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, on low flame for 10-12 minutes or till the vegetable is almost done i.e it should be easily pierced with a fork and most of the water is almost absorbed.
Now remove the cover from the pan and lemon juice.
Water melon white rind sabji is ready. Garnish with coriander leaves.
This side dish goes well with the roti, parantha and poori.
Enjoy!