Are you looking for a flavorful and crunchy addition to your meals? Look no further than the humble tindora! Also known as ivy gourd or baby pumpkin, this underrated vegetable is a staple in many Indian cuisines. When cooked right, it can add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to any dish.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 spicy tindora recipes that will take your meals to the next level. From crispy snacks to hearty curries, these recipes showcase the versatility of this underrated veggie. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and adventurous, there’s a recipe on this list for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the world of spicy tindora recipes and discover new flavors to spice up your life!
Spicy Tindora Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili
This flavorful stir-fry is a great way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinner routine. With the perfect balance of spicy heat, tangy garlic, and tender tindora (also known as ivy gourd), this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium tindora, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small red chili, seeded and chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped chili and cook for another minute.
4. Add the sliced tindora and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Crispy Tindora Chips with Sea Salt
Transform humble tindora (also known as ivy gourd or baby pumpkin) into addictive, crispy snacks flavored with a touch of sea salt. Perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite soups and salads.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tindoras
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice tindoras into thin rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix water and vegetable oil. Dip each tindora slice in the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange coated tindora slices in a single layer, leaving some space between each chip.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until chips are crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with sea salt before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tindora and Potato Curry with Coconut Milk
A flavorful and aromatic curry from India, Tindora and Potato Curry with Coconut Milk is a perfect blend of spices and creamy goodness. This recipe is easy to make and serves as a great accompaniment to rice or roti.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium tindoras (Ivy gourd), diced
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add tindora and potatoes; cook for 5-7 minutes or until they start to soften.
4. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Pour in coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Stuffed Tindora with Spiced Chickpea Filling
Tindora, also known as ivy gourd or baby blue calabash, is a popular vegetable in many Indian cuisines. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of tindora with the warm spices and creamy texture of chickpeas, making for a unique and delicious stuffed dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized tindoras
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the top third off each tindora and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix chickpeas with garlic, cumin, coriander, garam masala powder, and salt.
4. Stuff each tindora with the chickpea mixture, dividing it evenly among the four vegetables.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tindoras are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tindora Pickle with Mustard Seeds and Turmeric
A flavorful and tangy Indian-style pickle recipe that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from snacks to meals. This tindora pickle is a delicious way to preserve the season’s bounty.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tindora (also known as ivy gourd or baby eggplant), sliced into thin rounds
– 1/2 cup mustard oil or vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– Vinegar, to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced tindora and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to release their excess water.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and tindora slices to the pan. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the tindora is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Let the pickle cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Tindora and Onion Sabzi with Cumin and Coriander
Tindora and Onion Sabzi with Cumin and Coriander: A flavorful and aromatic vegetarian dish from India, this recipe combines the sweetness of tindora (also known as ivy gourd) with the pungency of onions and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tindora, sliced into thin rounds
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until they are translucent.
4. Add sliced tindora, coriander powder, salt, and turmeric (if using). Stir well to combine.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot with rice, roti, or as a side dish.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tindora Bhaji with Peanuts and Grated Coconut
A flavorful and crispy vegetable fritter from Indian cuisine, Tindora Bhaji is a delightful snack or side dish. This recipe adds the nutty flavor of peanuts and the freshness of grated coconut to make it even more appealing.
Ingredients:
– 250g tindora (ivy gourd) cubes
– 1/2 cup gram flour
– 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated coconut
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 green chili, finely chopped
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together gram flour, peanuts, and grated coconut.
3. Add the chopped onion, green chili, and salt to the bowl and mix well.
4. Dip each tindora cube into the mixture, coating it evenly.
5. Fry the coated tindora cubes in batches until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tindora and Tomato Chutney with Tamarind
This sweet and tangy chutney is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine, perfect for serving alongside naan or rice. With the addition of tamarind, it adds a depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tindora (ivy gourd), chopped
– 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup tamarind paste
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2-3 green chilies, chopped
– Salt, to taste
– 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the tindora, tomatoes, tamarind paste, and green chilies. Stir well.
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Let it cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Tindora with Lemon and Black Pepper
Tindora, a lesser-known vegetable in many parts of the world, is a game-changer when roasted to perfection. This recipe adds a burst of citrusy flavor from lemon juice and a touch of heat from black pepper.
Ingredients:
– 1 large tindora (also known as ivy gourd or baby bok choy)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the tindora into quarters or sixths, depending on their size.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper.
4. Add the tindora pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the tindora in a single layer.
7. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the tindora is tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tindora and Lentil Stew with Curry Leaves
This hearty stew from India combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the subtle sweetness of tindora, a type of ivy gourd. The addition of aromatic curry leaves adds depth and warmth to this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium tindoras, peeled and diced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 4 cups water or vegetable broth
– Fresh curry leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add lentils, tindora, and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh curry leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tindora Raita with Yogurt and Fresh Herbs
This Indian-inspired raita is a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes, featuring the mild flavor of tindora (also known as ivy gourd) in a creamy yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated tindora
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup grated cucumber (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine tindora, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
2. Stir in chopped cilantro, scallions, and cucumber (if using).
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (chilling time)
Tindora and Eggplant Stir-Fry with Sesame Oil
This flavorful stir-fry combines the earthy sweetness of tindora (also known as ivy gourd) with the meaty texture of eggplant, all infused with the nutty goodness of sesame oil. A quick and easy vegetarian option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium tindora, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce or tamari for added depth of flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced tindora and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the skillet. Add the eggplant slices and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside with the tindora.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
5. Return the cooked tindora and eggplant to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tindora and Bell Pepper Salad with Lime Dressing
Experience the vibrant flavors of India with this refreshing salad featuring tender tindora (also known as baby balsam apple) and crunchy bell peppers, topped with a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tindora, peeled and diced
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow), sliced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine tindora and bell peppers.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tindora and Paneer Curry with Creamy Gravy
This rich and creamy curry is a perfect blend of Indian flavors, featuring tender tindora (Indian baby eggplant) and paneer (Indian cheese), cooked in a velvety gravy.
Ingredients:
– 250g tindora, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 200g paneer, cut into small cubes
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 250ml heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger paste. Cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add tindora and cook until it starts to soften.
4. Add paneer, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve over basmati rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tindora and Chickpea Stir-Fry with Garam Masala
This flavorful stir-fry is a perfect blend of Indian spices, tender tindora (ivory gourd), and protein-rich chickpeas. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium tindora, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add tindora and chickpeas; stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Sprinkle garam masala powder and salt to taste.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Tindora and Spinach Stir-Fry with Ginger
This recipe combines the flavors of India and Asia to create a deliciously healthy stir-fry dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The addition of ginger adds an extra layer of depth and warmth to this flavorful vegetarian option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tindora (also known as baby eggplant or ivy gourd), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ginger and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds.
4. Add the tindora and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
5. Add the spinach leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tindora and Mushroom Curry with Coconut Cream
This flavorful curry recipe combines the tender goodness of tindora (also known as baby bamboo shoots) with sautéed mushrooms, aromatic spices, and a rich coconut cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tindora (baby bamboo shoots), sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can coconut cream (14 oz)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric; cook 1 minute.
4. Add mushrooms, cook until tender (5-6 minutes).
5. Add tindora, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
6. Stir in coconut cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tindora and Carrot Stir-Fry with Curry Powder
This flavorful stir-fry combines the tender sweetness of tindora (also known as ivy gourd) and carrots with a hint of warm curry powder. A simple and quick recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized tindora, peeled and sliced into thin strips
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into thin sticks
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tindora and carrots; stir-fry until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the curry powder and stir-fry for another minute, until the vegetables are well coated with the spice.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 8-10 minutes.
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 mouth-watering recipes featuring tindora! From crispy snacks like Tindora Chips with Sea Salt, to flavorful curries like Tindora and Potato Curry with Coconut Milk, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making a spicy stir-fry with Garlic and Chili, or indulge in the creamy goodness of Tindora and Paneer Curry. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something refreshing? The Tindora and Bell Pepper Salad with Lime Dressing is sure to hit the spot! Whatever your taste buds desire, this article has got you covered.