Dondakaya vepudu/Tindora fry

Dondakaya vepudu needs no introduction especially if the reader is Telugu. A popular, regular and favorite of most Telugus, here is a quick recipe:

Preparation time: 15-20 mins

Serves: 2

Ingredients:
Indian gourd (tindora/dondakaya) 1/4th kilo
Refined cooking oil 1 cup
Cumin seeds ½ tsp
Curry leaves 4-5
A handful of cashews (kaju)
A handful of fresh coconut pieces (kobbari mukkalu)
Red chilli powder to taste
Salt to taste

Method:

Wash, wipe and cut the tindora vertically. Cut the coconut into small pieces.

Heat the oil and deep-fry the tindora in this pre-heated oil. Remove onto a tissue to drain off excess oil.

Spice the tindoras with salt and red chilli powder as to taste. Mix well.

Heat 2 tsp of oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and chilli flakes (optional). Add curry leaves, cashews and the coconut cubes and sauté for 2 mins.

Garnish the tindoras with the above seasoning.

Crispy and spicy, Dondakaaya vepudu or tindora fry is a great combo with ghee topped rice. Mix a cup of sambar rice and have the dondakaya fry with it, you really will not think of chips again.