Ivy Gourd Fry - Tindora fry is a very simple Indian curry that goes very well with steamed rice.
Tindora fry with step by step directions and video recipe. South Indian cuisine typically serves the Tindora stir fry for lunch and dinner.
The first reaction I get when I mention the name Ivy Gourd or Tindora is a confused look. I do not blame you if you have never heard of it before.
It has had different names in different parts of the world. In India, Ivy Gourd is quite common and called Thondekai in the local dialect where I grew up.
Honestly, this was not my favorite vegetable growing up, but I cannot point out a specific reason for that. Now that I understand the medicinal benefits, I think it is one of the most underrated vegetables out there!
Ivy gourd is a woody, climbing, the fruit-bearing vine that is native to tropical areas.
Traditional Thai and Indian medicinal systems classify Ivy Gourd as a herb. All parts of the plant have medicinal benefits, including the leaves for controlling blood sugar.
However, for my recipe today, I will focus on the vegetable. When you are shopping for Ivy Gourd, you should look for tender green ones rather than ripened ones.
As the Ivy Gourds ripen, they develop a sweet taste and are better eaten raw.
Now, this curative wonder vegetable is gaining the attention it deserves from Western researchers for its ability to control blood sugar levels.
Ivy Gourd Fry is a very simple Indian curry that goes very well with steamed rice.
The procedure is quite simple with a handful of basic ingredients. There is not much prep work involved and cook time is less than 30 minutes.
So, there is nothing stopping you from trying this simple recipe today 🙂 It goes well with steamed rice, but can be a very healthy snack too. If you find this or any other recipe useful, please leave me a comment on this page or on my Facebook page.
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Ivy Gourd Fry - Tindora Fry
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped Ivy Gourd - Tindora
- Salt
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp tamarind paste - or use lemon juice
- 2 tsp jaggery - optional
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a medium-size pan and as it starts to heat up, add sliced Ivy Gourd / Tindora.
- Continue to fry for 10 minutes.
- Then add the dry ingredients one by one except tamarind and jaggery.
- Cover the lid for 5 minutes and let it cook.
- Add tamarind paste, Jaggery and stir well. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- As the Ivy Gourd starts to soften, it absorbs the flavors and it is time to take it off the heat.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Ivy Gourd Fry - Tindora Fry is ready to serve with boiled rice!
Soniya
I am a big fan of Tindora and this recipe of yours looks so delicious and full of flavors... Wish I could find Tindora in my area..I get my full when I visit India 🙂
Dene' V. Alexander
Never have I heard of Ivy Gourd, but by the looks of it, I'm the one that has been missing out all this time! This looks absolutely delicious and I can only imagine the flavor!!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
I love vegetable stir fry dishes, and the flavors look delicious in this one. I've never heard of ivy gourd either and wonder if there is something similar to it in the US?
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
What a great curry idea! I've never heard of Ivy Gourd but I'm going to be on the lookout for it. I'm pinning the recipe!
Uma Srinivas
Thanks Marisa!
Swathi
Love your version of tindora fry. I make it without tamarind juice I will try it with it next time. When I buy them.
Uma Srinivas
Thanks Swathi!
Noel Lizotte
I love finding out about new ingredients (to me) and how to prepare them. Thanks for this quick lesson with a simple recipe that I can make - if I ever get my hands on some Ivy Gourd.
Uma Srinivas
Thanks Noel!
Linda @ Food Huntress
I've never eaten an Ivy Gourd but would like to try it.
Uma Srinivas
Thanks!
Kathy
I've never had this vegetable but by reading of the medicinal benefits I must say I am intrigued!! It definitely sounds like an underrated food. Thanks for sharing!!
Uma Srinivas
Thanks:) Yes look for it when you out there for shopping!
Gloria Duggan
I totally love experimenting with curries. I will say I have NEVER heard of this one. I will have to check my trusty book and see if it is in there. Never the less, sounds delicious...just like ALL curries should be.
VeenaAzmanov
Uma you make me miss home. I love tindora but have not eaten it in years!! I don't get it here only ever eaten it at home in Bombay. Sounds so delicious..!
Christine - Jar Of Lemons
I've never tried Ivy Gourd, but this looks delicious! Saving to try very soon. Looks amazing!
Adriana Martin
Never heard of Ivy Gourd I need to try it soon. Love new ingredients and learning interesting dishes to cook at home. Specially if those are Thai or Indian inspired as I love those cuisines.
Mackenzie @ Food Above Gold
I've never heard of Ivy Gourd, but am very intrigued. I love trying new foods, and if it's getting the attention of those in the West, maybe I'll get lucky and find some!
Alicia Taylor
I will admit, I have never heard of Ivy Gourd. We don't have any Indian shops near us, either. Is it similar to squash?
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
I've never heard of Ivy Gourd but I would be interested to try it for sure. Not sure I've ever seen it but also have never looked. I like to try new foods so I'm going to be on the lookout for this.
Uma Srinivas
I know most people don't know about this veggie. I am happy that I created curiosity towards this awesome veggie 🙂 Thanks !