Spicy Kunduri Fry

Kunduri/ Dondakaya/ Tondekayi/ Tindora/ Ghiloda/ Kundru/ Kowai/ Kovai/ Kovakkai/ Kovakka/ Manoli/ Tindla/ Gentleman's toes/ Tendli/ Thendli/ Thainli/ Ivygourd/ Little gourd are tender little green short and blunt vegetables which are available round the year in India. These come with fabulous mix of complex carbohydrates, fibre, and a vast array of A, B and C vitamins. It is quite a valuable source of micronutrients. Ivy gourd is often recommended to diabetics due to its low glycemic index and its possible ability to help regular blood glucose. Ivy gourd is rich in beta-carotene and minerals. This simple looking vegetable carries a lot more health benefits with it. The rich blend of aromatic spices in this recipe flavour the simple fry and makes it more yummier.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 kg Kunduri
• 2 Onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
• 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
• 1/4 tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tbsp Coriander powder
• 1/4 tbsp Cumin/Jeera powder
• 2 tbsp Peanuts, roasted and coarsely ground
• 2 springs Coriander leaves, finely chopped
• salt to taste

The above picture is going to participate in Magnificent Click Contest-2009 by Gayathri of Just Urs.

TEMPERING/TADKA/POPPU:

• 1 tbsp Mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp split black gram dal (urad dal/minapappu)
• 1 tbsp Chana dal
• 1 dry Red chilli
• 6-9 fresh Curry leaves
• 1″ Cinnamon stick
• Oil

PREPERATION:

• Wash and trim the ends of kunduri. Slit open in the middle till three by fourth.
• In a heavy bottom cooking vessel or kadai, add oil and add all the ingredients listed under tempering one by one.
• When the aroma of the ingredients starts to release add onions, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger-gaslic paste, coriander powder, cumin powder and salt.
• Fry lightly till the spices blend together. Now with a help of a spoon stuff this into kunduri and leave them in the pan for further cooking.
• Cook till kunduri is soft enough. Keep turning around the kunduri, to get evenly cooked on all sides.
• Now sprinkle roasted and croasly ground peanuts and chopped coriander leaves and cover with a lid.
• Serve hot with steamed hot rice with a dollop of ghee and dal/sambar.
• Last but not least add your 'love' to make the dish 'YUMMY'.