TINDORA RICE RECIPE – Kovakkai Sadam – Ivy Gourd Rice

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Tindora / Kovakkai is one humble veggie which is often ignored because of its weird appearance, bland taste and also sometimes so happens that we can’t think much use for it other than making dry curries. Well not anymore , this cute little veggie can offer a lot more interesting choices… you can make a dry curry, chunky wet gravy, kara kuzhambu, deep fry them into bhajis and also in biryani ro stir fried rice.  Almost every day i have to come up with some thing to pack for our lunch box- something simple, a little healthy and appetizing and this is one of those lunch box recipe which i make quite often using leftover rice, they taste really good with simple potato fry or even with a hand full of potato chips!   😀

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Wash the tindora / kovakkai / ivy gourd in running water, remove all the dirt. Chop a little on either sides and then cut them into desired shape. You can either cut them into thin rounds, vertical cuts, chunks, or thin slice… whichever way you prefer. Keep them aside. Grate some fresh coconut and keep it ready. I’ve  have made with leftover rice, if you don’t have cooked rice then cook some and cool them.  Heat oil in a kadai, splutter cumin seeds & curry leaves.

Now add the cut tindora and fry in that oil to flash fry them. Then add the cut onions, ginger garlic paste and saute for few minutes. Bring the flame to low and cook covered for 1o minutes. Once done, remove the lid and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt and garam masala powder. Give a quick stir and saute for few minutes to cook the masala. Now add the cooked rice and stir fry. Again bring the flame to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Once done add the chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut. Saute for few seconds and switch off. Serve this with plain onion raita or any gravy of choice. They even taste good some potato fry and chips!

Notes

• Adding fresh coconut gives any flavor to the rice, you may substitute with little coconut powder too.
• Kovakkai can be cut into desired shapes, thinly sliced tend to cook fast.
• This mixed rice taste good after few hours as the masala tends to soak with the rice.
• Serves 2 adults.