Stuffed Snake Gourd – A Simple Home-Style Meat Dish

Home-Style Stuffed Snake Gourd is a comforting, pan-fried dish where tender snake gourd pieces are filled with a richly spiced minced meat mixture and gently cooked until soft and golden. This is a simple, modern home preparation that brings together vegetables, protein, and warm spices in a balanced and satisfying way.

The mild flavour of snake gourd absorbs the masala beautifully, making this dish appealing even to those who are not usually fond of gourds.

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🌿 Why This Dish Works Well at Home

This preparation is ideal for home cooking because:

• Snake gourd is light and easy to digest
• Stuffing adds flavour and makes the dish filling
• A small quantity of minced meat goes a long way
• Slow pan-frying keeps the texture soft and moist

It is practical, flavourful, and suitable for everyday meals.

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🥣 Ingredients

• 1 thin snake gourd
• 1 cup cooked minced meat (chicken, beef, or mutton)
• 2 boiled potatoes, mashed into a paste (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 4 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods (seeds only)
• 6 peppercorns
• ½ inch cinnamon stick
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 5 curry leaves
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons grated coconut (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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👩‍🍳 Method

Prepare the Snake Gourd

1. Wash the snake gourd thoroughly.
2. Cut it into medium-sized drum-like pieces.
3. Remove the seeds and inner portion carefully.
4. Mix salt with lemon juice and rub this mixture inside and outside each piece.
5. Keep aside.

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Prepare the Masala Filling

6. In a blender, grind together:
   • Chilli powder
   • Turmeric powder
   • Coriander powder
   • Cloves
   • Cardamom seeds
   • Peppercorns
   • Cinnamon stick
   • Garlic
   • Ginger paste
   • Cumin seeds
   • Curry leaves
   • Grated coconut (if using)
     Grind into a smooth paste.
7. Heat coconut oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
8. Add the ground masala paste and sauté until oil starts to appear and the aroma releases.
9. Add the cooked minced meat and mashed potato (if using).
10. Add salt and sauté well until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
11. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.

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Stuff and Pan-Fry

12. Stuff each snake gourd piece tightly with the prepared masala.
13. Beat the egg and keep aside.
14. Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a frying pan.
15. Dip one end of a stuffed piece into the beaten egg and place it in the pan.
16. When the egg turns light golden, flip the piece and dip the other end into the egg.
17. Roll the entire piece lightly in egg and place it lengthwise in the pan.
18. Cover and cook on low heat, turning occasionally for even cooking.
19. Continue cooking until the snake gourd becomes soft and lightly golden.

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🍽️ Serving

Serve hot as:

• A side dish with rice
• A filling accompaniment to simple meals
• A protein-rich vegetable preparation

The finished dish is soft, aromatic, and gently spiced.

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🧡 Home Kitchen Tips

✔ Cook on low flame for best texture
✔ Allow the filling to cool before stuffing
✔ Egg coating helps seal and enrich flavour
✔ Best enjoyed fresh and warm

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🌾 A Balanced Home-Style Dish

Home-Style Stuffed Snake Gourd is a thoughtful combination of vegetables and spiced minced meat, prepared simply and patiently. It shows how everyday ingredients can be transformed into a nourishing and satisfying dish without complexity.