French fries or finger chips are a part of the menu in most restaurants. It’s hard to imagine having a McDonald’s burger or KFC chicken strips without devouring this side kick. But when it comes to chips, why should the potatoes rule all the time? Try substituting it for snake gourd (pudalangaai). Small snake or serpent gourd can be mistaken for an oversized cucumber. But it’s exactly the size you need for this whacky recipe from Karaikudi.
Wash the snake gourd in cold water. Pat dry and peel the waxy skin. Cut the vegetable lengthwise and scoop the slimy, red seed and pulp. Cut it like you would cut a potato for fries. Sprinkle the chilly powder, turmeric and salt. Leave aside for 10 to 15 minutes. Now squeeze the vegetable to take out the excess water.
Mix the corn flour and rice flour in a plate. Sprinkle this flour over the vegetable and toss it well. Heat the sunflower oil in a deep frying pan, fry the vegetable in batches and serve hot with mint or tomato chutney. So here’s a lip-smacking snack made from our good old simple country vegetable.