Kovakka Thoran (Ivy Gourd Stir Fry)

Ivy gourd (or kovakka as it is known in Malayalam) is one of my favorite vegetables to make a thoran with. Very rarely do I find fresh kovakka at my local Indian grocery store. I usually settle for the frozen ones without complaining since it’s far easier to cook with, and also since there’s hardly any difference in the nutritional value between the fresh and frozen ones. Frozen veggies make life so much simpler!

Here is a simple Kerala-style preparation that I make very often.

Ingredients:
300 grams kovakka/tindora/ivy gourd, cut into thin strips (I used the pre-cut frozen ones.)
4-5 shallots, finely chopped
Salt to taste

To be ground coarsely:
1/3 cup coconut
2-3 red chillies
1-2 garlic cloves
½ tsp cumin seeds

For seasoning:
1 Tbsp oil
½ tsp urad dal
½ tsp mustard seeds
A pinch of asafoetida
3-4 curry leaves

Method:
In a pan, heat the oil & add the ingredients for the seasoning (urad dal, mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves).

Sauté the shallots, add the frozen ivy gourd and cook on medium to high heat till all the water evaporates and the strips are done, 5-7 minutes.

Add the ground paste (coconut, red chillies, garlic and cumin seeds) and mix well. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Serve hot with rice and rasam.