Tindora Fry

Tindora Fry, Dondakaya fry, Kovakkai Fry, or Ivy Gourd Fry is a healthy option to make as a side for an Indian style meal. Pair it with Dal Rice or Chapati for a healthy meal. Here is how to make it.

Here are some more everyday Sabzi recipes for you, that can be included in your everyday meals – Hare Tamatar Ki Sabzi, Batata Bhaji, Rajasthani Besan Bhindi, Lauki Ka Bharta, Baingan Methi, Aloo Methi and Mooli Ki Sabzi. 

What is Tindora?

Tindora, Kovakkai, or Dondakaya is called Ivy Gourd in English. It resembles a small baby cucumber and is a very popular vegetable in India.

It is also called as Tondli, Tendli, Thondekai or Kovakka in various parts of the country.

Dondakaya goes well with a variety of Indian staples and it’s a great vegetable to incorporate in your diet as it is high in fiber, beta-carotene, and other essential nutrients.

It’s also popular in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, and here in India it is commonly made with masala or added in sambar.

There are many different ways in which it can be cooked.

About This Recipe

Dondakaya Fry is a simple everyday sabzi where Dondakaya or Tindora is cooked along with onions and spices such as coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala powder, and salt. 

It is an easy sabzi that hardly takes 30 minutes of your time, making it apt for your everyday meals. 

Ingredients

The ingredients used for the same, are very basic and something that you will already have in your kitchen.

To cook this Sabzi, you will need tindora, cumin seeds, hing, onions, coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala powder, and salt. 

You can also make it with tomatoes in a light gravy, or make it stuffed.

You can also make it Andhra Style with dal which is called Dondakaya Senagapappu. Sometimes, I also add a little coconut to give it that South Indian touch. 

In Maharashtra, it’s made by adding peanuts to it.

Step By Step Recipe

Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add hing and cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.

Add onion and fry until they turn translucent.

Add tindora, coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well. Sprinkle a little water.

Cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes until tindora is slightly softened. They taste good when slightly crunchy.

Add chaat masala and mix well. Serve hot as a side with any Indian meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to shop for tindora?

While buying dondakaya or tindora, choose the ones which are dark green in color, thin and long, and free of any blemishes. 

This vegetable ripens very fast so make sure to cook it while it is fresh. The flesh should be white in color and not red and the seeds should be small and tender.

Health Benefits

One of the benefits of the Tindora vegetable is that it helps lower blood sugar and is great for treating diabetes.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve it with Dal and Rice, it tastes great. I like a simple meal of toor dal, tindora fry, some kachumber on the side, and roti.

It can also be served with Indian Bread such as Roti, Tawa Paratha, or Laccha Paratha. 

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