Kovakka Mezhukkupuratti | Tindora Stir Fry

A Flavorful South Indian Delicacy:

Kovakka Mezhukkupuratti also known as Tindora Stir Fry, is a traditional styled South Indian dish that showcases the rich aromatic flavors and spices of the region. The delectable preparation is well known for its simplicity and the unique taste it brings to the dining table. This vegetarian delecacy hails from the state of Kerala, located in the south western part of India.

Historical And Cultural Significance Of Tindora:

Kerala is well known for its lush greenery, abundant coconut trees and a rich culinary tradition. Cuisines of Kerala are characterized with the use of freshly available ingredients and the expert blend of flavors. Kovakka, also known as Ivy Gourd or Tindora, is the star ingredient in the dish. It’s a slightly elongated, small vegetable with a mild bitter taste. The vegetable is generally sliced rounds or length wise before being cooked. The process of stir frying generally involves frying the sliced marinated kovakka pieces in a mixture of spices that imparts a delightful natural aroma.

Preparation:

Traditional preparation of Kovakka Mezhukkupuratti, involved use of a cast iron wok or pan. The pan was usually heated with a generous proportion of fresh coconut oil which added richness and a distinct flavor to the dish. After spluttering mustard seeds in hot oil, the process is followed by addition of dry red chillies, curry leaves and sliced onion. The sliced rounds of kovakka are then added to the pan and sauteed. The vegetable starts to release its natural juices and cooks slowly. Red chilli powder, turmeric and salt is commonly used to season the dish.

A Versatile Dish For All Occasions:

In Kerala, you can observe the people relishing the humble and healthy mezhukkupuratti dish with steamed rice for noon day meals. Kovakka Mezhukkupuratti also holds its stand in grand sadhyas. The dish evokes a sense of nostalgia, especially for those who have grown up relishing the veggie. Explore a detailed recipe here.

Kovakka Mezhukkupuratti | Tindora Stir Fry

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Kerala

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 300 g Gherkins Kovakka
• 1 no. Onion chopped
• 2 tsp Chilly powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• Salt As reqd
• 2 cloves Garlic chopped
• 1 tsp Mustard seeds
• Curry leaves Few
• 2 nos Dry red chillies half split

Instructions

 

• For preparing Kovakka Mezhukkupuratti, first cut kovakka into thin round shapes.
• Marinate with chilly powder, turmeric and salt for 15 minutes.
• Heat oil in pan, splutter mustard, dry red chillies and curry leaves.
• Add onion and fry it. Add the marinated gherkins and saute well. Add little water and cook it.
• When water is evaporated, fry well the gherkins.
• Tindora Stir Fry is ready.

Notes

You can visit this link Kovakka Pakora. 

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