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A simple and delicious South Indian stir-fry made with ivy gourd, sautéed until tender-crisp and seasoned with aromatic spices. This classic side dish, also known as Tindora Fry, pairs perfectly with rice and sambar or rasam.
Prepare the Kovakkai
Temper the Spices
Sauté Onions and Cook Kovakkai
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A simple and delicious South Indian stir-fry made with ivy gourd, sautéed until tender-crisp and seasoned with aromatic spices. This classic side dish, also known as Tindora Fry, pairs perfectly with rice and sambar or rasam.
This south_indian recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 187.84 calories per serving with 3.09g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Add Spices and Finish
Serve
Add 3-4 cloves of crushed garlic along with the onions for a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Add a tablespoon of roasted peanut powder or sesame powder along with the coconut for a nutty flavor and texture.
Add one small potato, thinly sliced, along with the kovakkai for a more filling dish. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
For a simpler, traditional version, you can skip the onions entirely. The dish will still be delicious.
Ivy gourd is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, ivy gourd contains compounds that may help regulate blood glucose levels, making it a beneficial vegetable for individuals managing diabetes.
Packed with vitamins like Vitamin C and beta-carotene, kovakkai helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections.
The combination of fiber from the vegetable and digestive-friendly spices like hing (asafoetida) can help prevent indigestion and bloating.
Kovakkai, also known as Tindora or Ivy Gourd, is a tropical vine grown for its edible green fruit. It's popular in South Indian cuisine and is known for its crisp texture and slightly tangy taste.
Yes, Kovakkai Fry is a healthy dish. Ivy gourd is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly noted for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. This recipe uses minimal oil and wholesome spices, making it a nutritious side dish.
One serving of Kovakkai Fry (approximately 150g) contains around 130-150 calories, depending on the amount of oil and coconut used. It's a relatively low-calorie side dish.
Your fry might have turned mushy for a few reasons: using overripe (reddish) kovakkai, adding water during cooking, or overcooking with the lid on for too long. To avoid this, use fresh green kovakkai and cook uncovered towards the end to let excess moisture evaporate.
Yes, you can use frozen sliced kovakkai. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before use to remove excess moisture. The texture might be slightly softer than when using fresh kovakkai, but it will still be delicious.
To achieve a crispier texture, ensure you slice the kovakkai very thinly. Also, after the kovakkai is cooked and tender, increase the heat slightly and stir-fry it without the lid for the last 5-7 minutes. This will help it brown and crisp up.