Galka nu Shaak
A simple, homestyle Gujarati stir-fry of tender ivy gourd cooked with minimal spices to let the vegetable's natural mild sweetness shine through. Finished with a squeeze of lemon, it makes a light, everyday companion to roti and dal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prep the ivy gourd.
Wash the tindora thoroughly. Trim both ends and slice each one lengthwise into thin strips, about 4 to 6 strips per gourd depending on thickness. Set aside.
- temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add mustard seeds and let them pop completely (15-20 sec).3.Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until fragrant (10 sec).4.Add asafoetida and turmeric powder, stir for 5 seconds.TIPMedium heat prevents the mustard from burning before it pops. - saute · ~12 min
Cook the tindora.
1.Add the sliced tindora to the pan and stir well to coat with the tempering.2.Sprinkle red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt over the tindora.3.Stir everything together, then cover the pan with a lid.4.Cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice. The tindora will release moisture and cook in its own steam.TIPResist adding water—the vegetable's natural juices are enough to cook it tender. - saute · ~3 min
Finish with a dry sauté.
1.Remove the lid and increase heat to medium.2.Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.3.The tindora should be tender with a slight crispness at the edges. - garnish · ~1 min
Add lemon juice and garnish.
1.Turn off the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shaak and toss once.2.Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.TIPAlways add lemon juice off the heat to preserve its fresh, bright flavor. - serve
Serve warm.
Galka nu Shaak is best enjoyed warm as part of a Gujarati thali with roti, dal, and rice.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice tindora lengthwise into thin strips for even cooking and a tender texture.
- 2Let mustard seeds fully pop before adding cumin to avoid burning the spices.
- 3Do not add water; the tindora releases enough moisture to steam-cook perfectly.
- 4Cook covered on low heat to allow the gourd to soften in its own juices.
- 5Finish with a dry sauté on medium heat to remove excess moisture and concentrate flavors.
- 6Always add lemon juice off the heat to keep its bright, fresh taste intact.
- 7Leftover shaak keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a pan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier
Add 1 finely chopped green chili along with the cumin seeds for extra heat, perfect for those who enjoy a fiery kick with their roti.
NuttyNutty
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of roasted crushed peanuts just before serving for a crunchy texture and nutty contrast to the tender gourd.
CoconutCoconut
Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh grated coconut at the end for a subtle sweetness that complements the dish's mild spices.
Potato TwistPotato Twist
Add 1 small potato, peeled and diced, along with the tindora for a heartier shaak that pairs beautifully with dal-rice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
Ivy gourd is naturally low in calories, making this dish a light addition to any meal without sacrificing flavor.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
The high fiber content in tindora aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut, especially when paired with whole-grain roti.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Turmeric and coriander powder provide antioxidant compounds that support overall wellness and reduce oxidative stress.
Contains Essential Minerals
Ivy gourd offers small amounts of calcium and magnesium, contributing to bone health and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water; reduce the initial steam time by 2-3 minutes.



