Kovaikai, also known as “Gherkin”, “Ivy Gourd”, or “Tindora”, is not commonly known in Southern Tamilnadu. However, once its nutritional benefits became known—being low in carbohydrates, high in fiber, and excellent for diabetics—its use has become more regular in Tamilnadu. Diabetics can prepare a stir-fry using only kovaikai, while others may choose to cook it with a variety of other vegetables.
This dish pairs well with both rice and chapati.
Kovakkai Potato Stir Fry
5
servings15
minutes20
minutesKovakkai Potato Stir Fry pairs well with both rice and chapati.
Ingredients
Kovakkai – 8 to 10 Nos
Potato – 1 No
Sweet Potato – 1 No
Onion – 1 No
Tomato – 1 No
Sambar Powder – 2 teaspoons
Turmeric Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Oil – 4 teaspoons
Mustard – 1/2 teaspoon
Bengal Gram Dhal – 1 teaspoon
Urad Dhal – 1 teaspoon
Jeera – 1/2 teaspoon
Asafotida Powder – a pinch
Peanut – 2 tablespoon (optional)
Curry Leaves – few
Salt – 1 teaspoon or as per taste
Directions
- Wash and slice the kovaikai lengthwise. Season with a pinch of turmeric powder and salt, then set aside.
- Wash and cut the potatoes and sweet potatoes (skin on) into 2-inch lengthwise pieces.
- Finely chop the onion and tomato.
- Heat oil in a kadai, add mustard seeds, and wait for them to pop. Then add Bengal gram dal, urad dal, cumin, asafoetida powder, and curry leaves. Fry until the dals turn light brown.
- Add the onions and sauté until transparent.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for a few seconds.
- Stir in sambar powder, turmeric powder, slightly crushed peanuts, and salt.
- Squeeze the marinated kovaikai to remove excess water and add to the kadai.
- Include the potato and sweet potato pieces, mix well, add 1/2 cup of water, and cover with a lid.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the water has been absorbed.
- This dish pairs well with both rice and chapati.
Hi kamala,
Tried this yesterday.I was intrigued by the combo of vegetables and that is what prompted me to try it out.It was tasty and family enjoyed it:-)
Thanks for your innovative combos!
Thank you Gayuu for your kind feed back.
Hi Madam,
Today i tried your tomato bath. It came out well. can you please tell me this kovakkai potato stir fry for how many servings?
Thanks
Hi Gayathri,
You can serve 4 to 5 persons.
i never knew we could avial with kovakai