Tindora, also known as ivy gourd or kovakkai, often finds its way into stir-fries — but in this version, we transform it into a gentle, nourishing curry. Made with minimal spices, this dish supports digestion while delivering a deliciously creamy texture.
What Is Tindora Tadka?
A Indian style curry made with sliced tindora simmered in a light tomato-coconut or onion-tomato base, gently spiced and cooked till tender. It’s wholesome, sattvic, and naturally sweet with the earthy flavor of tindora.
How to Make Tindora Tadka : The Traditional Way
🛒INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients :
- 1½ cups thinly sliced tindora (ivy gourd)
- 1 medium tomato, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp grated fresh coconut (or coconut paste)
- 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut or sesame oil
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1½ to 2 cups water
Tempering (Tadka) :
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- A pinch of hing (optional)
- 1–2 dry round red chillies (broken)
Optional Masala :
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp jeera powder
- A pinch of red chilli powder
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
🥣 Method :
- Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter.
- Add cumin, hing, dry red chillies, and grated ginger.
- Toss in the sliced tindora and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Add turmeric, salt, and chopped tomato. Cook till tomato softens.
- Mix in coriander powder, jeera powder, and optional chilli powder.
- Pour in 1½ to 2 cups of water and simmer covered for 10–12 minutes, until tindora is tender.
- Add coconut paste and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.
🌿 Ayurvedic Benefits
- Tindora is cooling, mildly astringent, and supports blood sugar balance.
- It is kapha–pitta balancing.
- Coconut and cumin promote smooth digestion.
- No garlic or onions — perfect for sattvic meals.
💡Pro Tips from the Indian Kitchen
- Slice tindora evenly for uniform cooking.
- For a richer texture, blend the coconut with a bit of warm water.
- You can add 1 tsp roasted gram dal powder for a thicker gravy.
- Cook on low flame to avoid curdling if adding coconut milk instead of paste.
❤️ Why We Love Tindora Tadka
- A different take on tindora — not the usual stir-fry
- Balanced and light, yet filling
- Comfort food with a subtle twist
- Great for all ages and body types
🧘 Ideal For
- Everyday lunch or dinner with rice, roti, or millets
- Sattvic or post-fasting days
- Diabetic-friendly thalis
- Kids and elders needing soft, digestible meals
