Kacharya is a way of preparing crispy veggies, popular along the western coastal regions. A dry subzi with a traditional tempering and a garnish of freshly grated coconut, kacharya usually involves stir-frying the vegetable till it is crisp. Ivy gourd is an ideal choice for such a preparation, as it is juicy but does not get soggy on sautéing. So, you will find that the Tondali Chya Kacharya has an exciting crunch, a mildly tangy flavour and a subtle juiciness as well, all of which make it a wonderful accompaniment for rotis and parathas.
A delicacy from Konkan cuisine, Gajbaje is a dish of mixed vegetables in a spicy coconut curry. The dish is quite easy to prepare – veggies are cooked till soft and then flavoured with a peppy coconut paste and finally topped with a traditional tempering, which instantly boosts the flavour and aroma of the dish.
The coconut paste has a self-contained flavour, with the spiciness of red chillies and the tanginess of tamarind. Together with the tempering, this paste gives the assortment of veggies a totally fabulous taste! Some communities of the Konkan belt make this traditional delicacy on Aashad Ekadasi day, using a unique mix of veggies like amaranth stem, taro leaves, bamboo shoots and jackfruit seeds.
It is believed that during their sojourn in the forest, one of the Pandavas, Bheema made this dish on Ekadasi day using the ingredients available in the wilderness they were residing in. Nevertheless, you can feel free to just open your fridge and use whatever veggies you find in it!