Dondakaya Fry: A Simple and Flavorful South Indian Ivy Gourd Recipe
30 minutes
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About Dondakaya Fry: A Simple and Flavorful South Indian Ivy Gourd Recipe
Dondakaya Fry, also known as Kowakkai Fry or Tindora Fry, is a beloved South Indian side dish that showcases the unique taste of ivy gourd. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any meal.The subtly tangy ivy gourd is stir-fried to perfection, absorbing the warm spices and creating a delightful crunch. It's a quick and healthy option, ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.Serve this delicious Dondakaya Fry alongside rice, roti, or your favorite Indian bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Its minimal seasoning lets the natural flavors of the ivy gourd shine through, making it a true culinary gem.
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Ivy Gourd Preparation
- 250 gm Ivy Gourd tindora, kundru, kowakkai, washed and cut lengthwise into thin, even slices
Spice Tempering
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 pinch Asafoetida hing
Spices & Seasoning
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder red
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder dhania
- 1/2 tsp Mango Powder amchur, dry
Instructions
Prepare the Ivy Gourd
- Wash and thinly slice the ivy gourd lengthwise.
Temper the Spices
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add asafoetida.
Sauté the Ivy Gourd
- Add the sliced ivy gourd to the pan and sauté until slightly softened. Sprinkle a little water, cover, and cook for 2 minutes.
Add Spices and Simmer
- Open the lid and add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and dry mango powder. Add the remaining water, cover, and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the ivy gourd is tender-crisp.
Serve
- Serve hot as a side dish with rice, roti, or other Indian breads.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Dondakaya Fry
- For a crispier fry, ensure the ivy gourd slices are thinly cut and not overcrowded in the pan.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- If you don't have dry mango powder, you can substitute with a squeeze of lime juice for a similar tangy flavor.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of grated coconut during the last minute of cooking.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 186kcalFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.8gSodium: 1710mg
3 Comments
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Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.
This is a fantastic recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This looks so appetizing! Thank you.