Ivy Gourd / Kovakka / Thondekai Palya

Ingredients:

1/2 kg kovakka / ivy gourd / thondekai
1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
6 garlic cloves with skin, crushed
4-5 green chillies, finely chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 1/2 cup grated coconut
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
salt to taste
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 -1 1/2 tbsp chana dal / kadalaparippu
3 dry red chillies
1 sprig curry leaves
1/2 cup coriander leaves, chopped
2 tbsp coconut oil

Preparation:

1. Wash and chop the kovakka into round pieces and cook it adding 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, salt and enough water. Keep it aside.
2. Heat coconut oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds. Add chana dal, dry red chillies and curry leaves and saute well.
3. Add crushed garlic and saute well till raw smell goes.
4. Add chopped green chillies and saute. Add chopped onion and saute well till transparent.
5. Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and mix well.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and saute well till soft and cooked.
7. Then add cooked kovakka and mix well.
8. Add lightly crushed grated coconut into this and mix well. Adjust the salt.
9. Add lemon juice and sugar and mix well.
10. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix well. Switch off the flame and serve with rice…