Kovakka ( Ivy Gourd) Aviyal

Ingredients:

1/2 kg kovakka / ivy gourd

gooseberry sized tamarind

1 small onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 cup shallots, chopped

3/4-1 cup grated coconut

3-4 green chillies

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 sprig curry leaves

salt to taste

4 tsp coconut oil

Preparation:

1. Wash and cut the kovakka into lengthwise pieces and keep it aside.
2. Soak tamarind in little water, extract its juice and keep it aside.
3. Crush grated coconut , green chillies and cumin seeds together and keep it aside.
4. Heat 2 tsp oil in a pan and add chopped onion and shallots and saute.
5. Add kovakka and turmeric powder and saute for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add crushed mixture and salt and cook covered at low-medium flame for 7 minutes. Mix it well .
7. Then add tamarind water to this, mix well and cook for 4-5 minutes.
8. Add 2 tsp coconut oil and curry leaves and switch off the flame. Keep it covered for 10 minutes and mix gently...Serve with rice....