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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Kovakka Thoran | Ivy Gourd Stir Fry

We are on lent till Easter and so all vegetarian recipes are on high demand.I love eating hot steamed rice with a simple stir fry and a pickle too.Kovakka (Ivy gourd) stir fry or thoran is an example of one such simple healthy dish that can be served with steamed rice.Ivy gourd has many prominent health benefits,it helps regulate the blood sugar levels and in turn prevent or treats diabetes.It is also purpoted to reduce inflammation and therfore is beneficial to patients with asthma,cholesterol and constipation.Ivy gourds are rich in  Vitamin A and C.I frequently buy this vegetable from our Indian stores and make kovakka mezhukuparetti or this thoran recipe.Both are equally liked by my family.Give this a try and enjoy !!


Ingredients
kovakka /ivy gourd 1lb(460gm)
onion 1 small finely chopped or shallots 5-6 sliced
garlic sliced 2
green chillies 3 sliced
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
chilly powder 1/4-1/2 tsp
grated coconut 1/2 cup
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
curry leaves a sprig
salt to taste
oil 2tbsp


Method
  • Wash and snap the ends of kovakka(ivy gourd).Cut the kovakka in quarters or chop small(refer notes)
  • Heat oil in  a pan and splutter mustard seeds.Add curry leaves,onion,sliced garlic and green chillies,saute until translucent.Add a pinch of salt to speed up the process.
  • Add the spice powders-turmeric powder,chilly powder.Saute until raw smell disappears.
  • Transfer the chopped kovakka,add salt.Toss it well and add half cup water.Cover and cook for 5-6 mins on medium flame.
  • Uncover lid,give a quick stir.Add in grated coconut,adjust salt and mix well.Cover and cook on low medium flame for 5-7mins or till done on low flame.Dry up any water or moisture left and switch off flame,leave covered for 10 mins.
  • Serve warm with steamed rice !!

Serves ~5-6 adults

NOTES
* Apply oil in your palms,before cutting as this may leave stains at times,oiling helps prevent staining. OR Place the ivy gourds in water,each time dip your fingers in water when you pick up a fresh one,prevents staining.
* You can chop the ivy gourd or kovakka as per your preference.If its finely chopped then there is no need to add any water to cook.In that case,cook on low flame.

For more thoran(stir fry) recipes,click here.


14 comments:

Swathi said... Best Blogger Tips

kovakka thoran looks delicious.

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

ITs been ages since I had this... So wanting to have this with some rice and moru curry

Fullscoops said... Best Blogger Tips

Looks very delicious, we make this without the coconut.

Sooriya said... Best Blogger Tips

Looks like a delicious stir fry!

Rafeeda AR said... Best Blogger Tips

That thoran looks so delicious... wish I could come over to your place for lunch!

Gloria Fernandes said... Best Blogger Tips

We love ivy gourd with chana dal this thoran looks really yummy..will try this ..very tempting pics

Motions and Emotions said... Best Blogger Tips

looks delicious

Remya said... Best Blogger Tips

yummy

Gauri said... Best Blogger Tips

This looks terrific :)

Chitz said... Best Blogger Tips

Ahh.. I love kovakkai and I love the look of that thoran too :D

Jayanthy Kumaran said... Best Blogger Tips

wat a yummy spread Julie...

Beena said... Best Blogger Tips

Simply delicious

Anu Yalo said... Best Blogger Tips

Looks too good..i used to make fry out of this...

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful click....and the kovakka thoran looks delicious... :)