Kovakkai (Ivy Gourd) Thoran

Today I was thinking what to be made for lunch searched the refrigerator but could only find Kovakkai or Ivy Gourd in there so I decided to make a curry with this.
Kovakkai goes by a lot of names - "Kundru in the North, "Kovakkai" in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, "Dondekaya" in Telugu and "Ivy Gourd" in English. It probably has a few more languages. Some people mistake it to be "Gherkin" by some people, but I don't think this isn't true because baby cucumbers are not Kovakkai it is different.

Kovakkai can be prepared in a number of methods but I usually do simple preparations either by deep frying in or by adding grated coconut which is called as thoran in Kerala.

So today lets start of with Kovvakkai Thoran
Ingredients
Kovakkai or Ivy gourd 250 gm cut into small round pieces
Oil - 2 tbsp
Mustard seed - 1tbsp
Onion diced into small pieces - 2 tbsp
Green chilly - 2 nos
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Grated coconut - 1 cup
Coriander leaves - 5to 10
Salt - as per requirement

Preparation
Heat oil in a pan when hot add mustard seeds followed by onion and saute until golden brown now add the green chilly followed by the sliced kovvakai, grated coconut, turmeric powder and salt as required.

Now cover the pan with a tight lid lower the flame and cook for about 5 - 7 minutes until done. Now remove from flame and is ready to be served.

NB: Turmeric powder is optional as per ones choice. This is a very tasty vegetables.

It is low in cals and fat but rich in minerals and B complex vitamins. In view of the low calorie content and low Glycemic index it is advocated for diabetics further.

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