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🇮🇳 Indian Vegetarian

Kovakkai Poriyal

🇮🇳 Indian

The humble side that runs the thali: kovakkai poriyal — quick, dry, and impossibly fresh-tasting. About 25 minutes from fridge to table.

Prep 10 min Cook 15 min Serves 3 Easy

Ingredients

  • Saltto taste
  • Urad Dal1 tsp
  • Mustard Seeds1 tsp
  • Curry Leaves1 sprig
  • Coconut Oil1 tbsp
  • Grated Coconut1/4 cup
  • Ivy Gourd (Kovakkai)250 g, chopped

Optional extras

  • Lemon1

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prep the ivy gourd (kovakkai) — trim, cut small and even so it cooks in one wave.

  2. 2

    Crackle the mustard seeds and dal in oil, add the curry leaves, then the vegetable; toss to coat.

  3. 3

    Cover and cook on low 8-10 minutes — no water, the vegetable steams in its own juice.

  4. 4

    Uncover, raise the heat for a minute and fold through the coconut at the very end.

  5. 5

    Finish with salt and lemon; serve as the side that quietly carries the plate.

Chef's tip

Coconut goes in last and off the boil, always.

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Video: கோவக்காய் மசாலா வறுவல் அட்டகாசமான சுவையில் | Ivy Gourd Masala Fry | Kovakkai Fry Recipe in Tamil · on YouTube