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Kankada Besara (କାଙ୍କଡ ବେସର) is a traditional Odia curry made with spiny gourd (kankada) in a flavorful mustard paste.This dish is light, healthy, and full of authentic Odia flavors. A perfect side dish with steamed rice and dal, Kankada Besara is a must-try if you love **regional Indian recipes**.
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Ingredients :
* **Kankada (spiny gourd)** – 250 g (cut into pieces)
* **Potato** – 1 medium (optional, diced)
* **Mustard seeds** – 2 tbsp
* **Garlic cloves** – 6–7
* **Green chilies** – 2
* **Dry red chili** – 1
* **Mustard oil** – 2 tbsp
* **Panch phutana (five-spice mix)** – ½ tsp
* **Turmeric powder** – ½ tsp
* **Salt** – to taste
* **Water** – as required
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Preparation Steps:
Step 1: Prepare Mustard Paste
* Soak mustard seeds in water for 10 minutes.
* Grind them with garlic and green chilies into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Fry the Vegetables
* Heat mustard oil until it smokes.
* Add kankada (and potato if using) with turmeric and salt.
* Fry lightly and keep aside.
Step 3: Tempering & Gravy
* In the same oil, add panch phutana and dry red chili.
* Add the mustard paste and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Cooking
* Add fried kankada pieces, salt, and water.
* Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender and the gravy thickens.
Step 5: Serve
* Drizzle a little raw mustard oil for authentic flavor.
* Serve hot with steamed rice and dal.
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Serving Suggestions:
* Best enjoyed with **plain rice** and **dalma**.
* Goes well with **pakhala bhata** in summer.
* Can be served with chapati as a light curry.
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Tips & Variations:
* Use fresh tender kankada for the best taste.
* Adjust the mustard paste according to your spice tolerance.
* For extra flavor, add a few curry leaves while tempering.
* Can also be cooked with brinjal or pumpkin for variation.
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Nutritional Value (Per Serving Approx.):
* **Calories:** 140 kcal
* **Carbohydrates:** 15 g
* **Protein:** 4 g
* **Fat:** 7 g
* **Fiber:** 5 g
* **Vitamin C & Antioxidants:** High (from spiny gourd & mustard)
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📌 FAQs
**1. What is Kankada in English?**
Kankada is called *Spiny Gourd* in English.
**2. Can I cook this without mustard oil?**
Yes, but mustard oil gives the authentic Odia flavor.
**3. Can I skip potatoes?**
Yes, potatoes are optional, you can cook only with kankada.
**4. Is Kankada Besara vegan?**
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan.
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Kankada Besara is not just a curry, it’s a piece of **Odia tradition**. With its mustardy flavor and nutritional benefits, this dish is both comforting and wholesome. Try this simple yet delicious recipe at home and bring the authentic taste of Odisha to your dining table.
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