Turai / Ridge gourd / Beerakaya

Ridge gourd, also known as turai or tori, is a mild-flavored, green vegetable with ridged skin and a tender, spongy texture. This gourd is often used in South Asian cooking and has a slightly sweet taste with a soft, watery interior that absorbs the flavors of the spices it’s cooked with. Ridge gourd is typically added to curries, stews, and stir-fries or used in soups for a light, healthy option.

This vegetable is known for its versatility in the kitchen. It can be cooked alone or paired with other vegetables and proteins to create a variety of dishes. It can also be used in traditional recipes like ridge gourd curry, chutneys, and even as a stuffing for roti or paratha.