Tindora, also known as giloda or ivy gourd, are slender, pale-green gourds. The tindora is cooked until slightly tender and then stir-fried in a classic combination of spices. Tindora can be found at Indian grocers but if unavailable, fresh green beans (halved lengthwise) may be substituted.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Side
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Calories: 86kcal
Author: Dr. Sheil Shukla
Ingredients
1poundfresh tindora
1½tablespoonsneutral oilsuch as sunflower or grapeseed
¾teaspooncumin seeds
¾teaspoonblack mustard seeds
2teaspoonsgrated ginger
pinch ofasafetidaoptional
½teaspoonsaltplus more to taste
½teaspoonground coriander
½teaspoonground cumin
½teaspoongaram masala
¼teaspoonground red chiliplus more to taste
¼teaspoonground turmeric
2teaspoonsfinely chopped jaggeryor sugar
1 to 2teaspoonsfresh lime juicefrom about ½ lime
Freshly chopped cilantrooptional
Instructions
Trim the ends of the tindora. Slice each tindora in half lengthwise, then slice each half once or twice to make thinner slices. Discard any pieces of tindora that are red on the inside. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a deep, wide nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and toast until the mustard seeds pop, about 30 seconds.
Reduce the heat to low, stir in the ginger and asafetida (if using), and continue to stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the sliced tindora and salt, and increase the heat to medium. Cover and continue cooking until the tindora is tender and starting to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir about every 5 minutes to prevent the tindora from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning.
Remove the cover, stir in the coriander, cumin, garam masala, chili, and turmeric, and continue to cook for about 1 minute to toast (but not burn) the spices.
Remove from the heat, stir in the jaggery and fresh lime juice, and garnish with cilantro, if desired.