Tindora or kovakkai is a small green colored vegetable that grows in tropical regions. It is an affordable, healthy and tasty vegetable that is freshly available in abundance. Tindora is a good source of fibre, beta-carotene and other micronutrients.

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time : 15 mins

Ingredients:

1. Kovakkai – 15 to 20
2. Onions – 2 medium sized
3. Tomato – 1 big size
4. Chilli powder – 1 tsp
5. Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
6. Cumin powder – 1+1/2 tsp
7. Garam masala – 1/2 tsp
8. Oil – 4 tsp
9. Salt – to taste

Method:

1. Take a non stick pan or any kadai and pour 4 tsp of oil
2. Then add the finely chopped onions, saute them and wait till they become translucent in nature.
3. Now add the finely chopped tomato
4. Saute them till the tomato become mushy and the oil will ooze out.
5. Then add the spices as stated above chilli powder,turmeric powder,cumin powder and garam masala accordingly as stated above.
6. Now add the kovakkai slices to it and close the kadai with a lid and keep it on simmer flame for 5 to 7 mins.
7. The kovakkai is usually firm in nature so when the ends up slightly and when the skin becomes pale, it’s an indication that its cooked.
8. Open the lid and wait for another 3 mins and switch off the flame
9. Let it cool. Serve with rice or chapathi.

Notes:

1. Slice the kovaikai in slender fashion.
2. The sides with curl up and turn slightly brown inflating its cooked nature.
3. Mini mealmaker bits can be added to the dish .

More about the vegetable:

It’s also known as the scarlet gourd or ivy gourd./mini water melons/gentlemen’s toes.

Health benefits:

1. Maintains good bowel movements.
2. Aids healing for people with skin issues.
3. Keeps the blood sugar under check.