Tondalichya Kacharya ~ Ivy Gourd Stirfry

Kacharya is a way of preparing crispy veggies, popular in Maharashtra. Tondalichya Kacharya is known for its simplicity. It's made with very few ingredients and which comes out delicious.

Ingredients:

• Tondli/Tindora (Ivy gourd)- 250 gm
• Potato- 1 med (optional, you can omit the potato)
• Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds- 1 tsp
• Asafoetida (hing)- ¼ tsp
• Turmeric powder- ½ tsp
• Homemade mix masala - 3 tsp (or 1 tsp red chili powder + 2 tsp goda masala)
• Goda masala- ½ tsp (optional)
• Salt- to taste
• Oil- 3 to 4 tbsp
• Fresh coriander, finely chopped- a handful
• Fresh coconut, scraped- 2 to 3 tbsp

Method: 

• Wash and wipe tondali. Cut tondali into round slices. Peel the potato, cut in quarters, then slice thinly and wash again. 
• Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan or wok and add the mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds crackle, add the cumin seeds. 
• Add the asafoetida, turmeric powder and sauté on a low heat for few seconds. 
• Add the tondli and potato slices, mix masala or chili powder+ goda masala and salt. 
• Mix well, cover and cook on a low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally. 
• Add coconut and coriander and mix well. 
• Serve hot with chapati/roti or dal-rice.