Pudalankaai Poriyal (Snake Gourd Poriyal)

Snake gourd is one of the vegetables i associate with my childhood.My Grandpa used to plant snake gourds (along with other greens & stuff) in our back yard.He used to tie small stones to the ends of the snake gourd to make it grow longer.Back then i used to hate its smell when it was on the vine, but when cooked it attains a wonder full aroma!!
Ingredients:
1 Snake gourd
4 Dry red chillies
1 Large Onion (chopped)
2 Tbsp Coconut (grated)
2 Tbsp oil
1 Sprig Curry leaves
1 Tsp Mustard seeds & urad dal
Salt to taste.
Method:
Slit the snake gourd vertically and remove the seeds .
Slice the gourds into thin slices(semi circles)
Heat oil in a kadai, add mustard seeds and urad dal and let it splutter.
Add curry leaves,red chillies and onion and saute.
Now add the snake gourd and saute.
Add salt, cover and cook till tender.(add water as required)
When the snake gourd is almost done add the grated coconut.
Serve with rice.