Kovakai sadam/ Tindora Rice

Some health facts of Tindora:

Their leaves are used in diabetes treatment. Ivy gourd contains beta-carotene, a major Vitamin A source essential for good eyesight; and Vitamin C which helps prevent common cold and flu. It is also considered a good source of protein and fibre.Good antioxidant, anti-hypoglycemic agent and immune system modulator.

Kovakai is our family's favourite side dish. Few years back only I knew such vegetable/fruit exists. I love to have it with keerai kadayal or curd rice. This can be a quick lunch box recipe. 

Kovakai sadam/ Tindora Rice Cuisine: Indian (South Indian/Tamil) Category: Lunch/Dinner Serves:3 Prep time: 15min Cook time: 30 Min's Ingredients: 1 cup rice(ponni/basmati/millet) 15-20 Tindora/Kovakai diced in desired shapes 1 tsp turmeric powder 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 spring curry leaf A handful of roasted peanuts To temper: 2 tbsp Sesame oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp urad dal 1 tsp channa dal 1 tsp jeera/cumin To dry roast and grind: 1 tbsp sesame seeds 1 ½ tbsp shredded coconut 2 tbsp sambar powder(click for full recipe) or 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tbsp coriander powder 1 tbsp urad dal 1 tbsp channa dal 1 tsp peppercorns 1 tsp fenugreek seeds 1 tsp jeera cumin seeds 1 tbsp sesame seeds ½ tsp Hing/asafetida 1 ½ tbsp grated coconut Method: 1. Pressure cook rice with a tsp of oil and let it cool down on a wide plate. 2. Meanwhile, dry roast and grind the given ingredients to a powder. 3. Heat oil in a skillet and add items given to temper. Once the mustard splutters add curry leaves and slit kovakai/tindora.Add salt turmeric and a cup of water. Let it cook for 5 mins or until the kovakai is soft. 4. Now add another tbsp of oil and fry kovakai for 2mins. 5. Then add the ground powder and saute for few seconds. Switch off the flame and add lemon juice to this mixture. 6. Slide in the rice to the skillet and mix thoroughly util all the masala is bound and coated to the rice.  Serve with onion raitha or vadagam

Note: Be lenient with sesame oil when frying kovakai. You can even substitute tamarind for lemon juice by adding it to the roast and grind ingredients.