Kovakka Mezhukkupuratty (Tindora /Ivy gourd Fry)

Kovakka wasn't a favourite veg of mine while growing up , mainly due to the fact that no matter it was summer or monsoon , it  sure did occupy a place in the dinner table always. [I believed there were only two seasons summer and monsoon ,( choodum mazhayum), until i came to my senses later in life] Most of the  households in my place had a backyard vegetable garden , where Kovakka/ivygourd was
an evergreen item .  The only thing i liked about it was the  shade they offer , we children used to play underneath :). But  when we move away from the comforts of our home, we miss a lot of things that we take for granted before....and this recipe is one of that kind :)...

Ingredients:-

Kovakka/Tindoora - 250 gms

Onion chopped - 1

Crushed garlic - 2 cloves

Chili powder - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Curry Leaves

Mustard seeds

Salt to taste

Oil

Method :-

Clean and Slice Kovakka/tindora lengthwise . Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds .
When they pop up add chopped onion and curry leaves and saute till they are soft 4-5  minutes.
Add crushed garlic and fry it again for 2-3 minutes.Add chili powder and turmeric powder and combine it well. Slide in the tindoora pieces and toss it well so that it get mixed with the masala.
Sprinkle 3-4 tspns of water and cook it covered till they are soft . Uncover it, and  let it stand on a medium flame till it get fried .take care not to burn it by stirring occasionally.!!!
Serve warm !!
Cheers!!