TINDORA NU SHAAK/STIR FRIED IVY GOURD
Tindora Nu Shaak/Stir Fried Ivy Gourd is a simple but very delicious Gujarati side dish that is usually enjoyed as a part of a main meal. Usually, it goes well with tuvar ni dalor moong daland rotis. This shaak or sabji does not require too many spices, allowing the slight khatta meetha taste of tindora to come out.
Ingredients
- 500 g tindora ivy gourd
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp green chilli paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- generous pinch asafetida
- 1-1¼ tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp water
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp coriander cumin powder
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander
Instructions
- Wash the tindora well. Pat them dry on a kitchen towel.
- Trim of the ends. Cut it into half lengthwise.
- Slice each half lengthwise. The slices should not be too thin or too thick.
- Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
- When it is hot, add mustard and cumin seeds.
- Add ginger and chilli paste and stir fry for a few seconds.
- Add turmeric powder and asafoetida.
- Add the sliced tindoras.
- Add salt and the water. Mix well gently.
- Cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat. Cook the vegetable for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Mix the vegetable in between so that it does not get burnt at the bottom.
- Cook till done and the tindoras appear dry.
- Take the pan off the heat and add red chilli powder and coriander cumin powder.
- Mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve it with roti.
Notes
- You can cut the tindora into round slices if you prefer.
- Check each tindora when you cut it into half. Sometimes there could be white tiny worms in them.
- Tindoras that have turned red, usually don't cook well. I use the ones(red ones) which slice easily. If I can't slice it easily, I don't use them.
- After you have sliced the tindoras, a slimy substance will get stuck to your fingers. Either oil your hands before cutting, but its tricky as the tindoras keep slipping off from your fingers or when washing your hands, rub some salt to remove the slime.
- Adding too much water will make the tindoras too soft and overcooked.
- Add a bit of sugar at the end if you prefer. I prefer vegetables without sugar.