Ivy Gourd Stir Fry/ Kovakkai Stir Fry

Ivy Gourd Stir Fry/ Kovakkai Stir Fry

 Recipe Cuisine: Indian |Recipe Category: Side Dish |Prep Time: 10 mins| Cook time: 15 mins

It is one of the healthiest vegetables and good for people who have diabetics.ivy gourd has many medicinal benefits. It is rich in Vitamin C, which helps in strengthening your bones and improving your body structure. It also has plenty of Vitamin B1 and B2, as also trace quantities of Vitamin A. All these vitamins are vital for the human body, and help in strengthening your immune system, and thus keep away diseases. The fibre content in ivy gourd is also responsible for preventing or curing constipation, as also for clearing the alimentary canal and the smooth functioning of the body. The only difficulty is You should be very careful while purchasing Ivy gourd. So to help you I have also given buying tips in this. Enjoy....

Ingredients

• Ivy Gourd/ Kovakkai - 250 gms
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Red chili powder - 1/2 tsp
• Sambar powder - 1/2 tsp
• Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
• Garam Masala - 1/4 tsp
• Salt - As needed
• Oil - As needed
• Corn flour - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves - 1/2 srping

Method:

Step 1:

• Rinse the Kovakkai in water, Drain it well.
• Thinly slice the top and bottom ends and discard them.
• Then slice the Ivy gourd vertically into four parts.

Step 2:

• Take a mixing bowl, Add red chili powder, garam masala, sambar powder, corn flour, coriander powder, salt, turmeric powder, sliced Ivy gourds, Mix well with hands. 
• Make the masala coated in all sides of Ivy gourd. No need of water. If it is too dry just sprinkle little water. allow it to marinate for 10 mins.
• Heat oil in a pan, Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, allow it to splutter.
• Now add the marinated Ivy gourd in the pan, Mix very well in the oil on low flame.
• Keep stirring 3 - 4 mins, Saute till it is half done.
• Mix well and continue to saute on a low flame till it becomes golden and crisp.
• It took 10 - 15 mins to turn crisp and cooked.
• Switch off the flame and serve hot with any rice.

Notes

• Reduce the amount of spicyness if you want by avoiding the chili/sambar powder.
• If you want you can also deep fry it instead of making stir fry.

Buying Tips

When you go to the market, to buy fresh ivy gourd, make sure that the skin of the vegetable is light green and not too dark. The inside flesh should be white in color, and the seeds should be soft and tender. From the outside, make sure that the skin is smooth, and the gourd is firm and healthy, not wilted or water soaked. The more mature the ivy gourd is the fruitier flavor it provides to the recipe you are cooking. Keep these points in mind, and make your cooking more enjoyable to eat, as well as a healthier diet.