| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 135 | 5g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 5g | 3g | 0.75g |
The Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry brings me back to the traditional flavors of my Asian heritage, all the while promoting a refreshing take on vegetable meals. This Asian delicacy, while versatile, is superb on its own but also complements a variety of other dishes. All in all, the Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry is a beautiful blend of flavor, tradition, and health.
A Taste of Tradition
It is recipes like these that take me back to the familiar kitchen scents of my childhood in Japan. The spicy tang of chili powder instigates my nostalgic journey back to small Tokyo streets lined with inviting food stalls serving flavorful food. The Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry mirrors the simplicity and subtlety of Japanese gastronomy, effortlessly blending the seasonings to enhance the ivy gourd’s unique taste, rather than overpowering it.
Fusion of Cultures
While reminiscent of Japanese cuisine, this recipe lends itself naturally to the flavors rooted in the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine. Ivy gourd, a vegetable with a complex flavor, is very common in dishes from India, Thailand, and Malaysia. The flavors fuse together in a way that would pair nicely with a classic Pad Thai, or stand tall alongside a fragrant Lamb Biryani.
Health Towards Happiness
This dish is not only pleasing to the palette, but it’s also a potent vehicle for good health. Ivy gourd is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. On top of that, spices like turmeric and cumin come with a slew of health benefits – from anti-inflammatory properties to aiding digestion.
To wrap this beautiful culinary journey up, I finish the Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry with squeezed lemon juice, adding a citrus zing that invigorates the other flavors. Last but not least, the dish is garnished with fresh coriander to brighten up the robust dish. This delightful balance of flavors and ingredients establishes the Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry as not just a recipe, but an experience that nourishes both from within and on the outside.
What You’ll Need
<li>1 pound of Ivy Gourd, sliced</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil</li>
<li>1 large Onion, finely chopped</li>
<li>2 Green chilies, finely chopped</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of Ginger Garlic Paste</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of Red Chili Powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of Cumin Powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of Coriander Powder</li>
<li>Salt to taste</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice</li>
<li>Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnishing</li>
</ul>
Method
<h3>Step One</h3>
Start by washing your ivy gourd thoroughly and then slice them into thin pieces. Set aside.
<h3>Step Two</h3>
Next, in a large frying pan heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
<h3>Step Three</h3>
Now, add your finely chopped onion into the pan. Cook the onion till it becomes translucent.
<h3>Step Four</h3>
Then, add your finely chopped green chillies and ginger garlic paste. Stir well and cook these until the raw smell disappears.
<h3>Step Five</h3>
At this point, add your turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder and coriander powder into the pan. Stir well to mix the spices.
<h3>Step Six</h3>
Add your ivy gourd into the pan. Make sure it is mixed well with the spices. Add salt to taste.
<h3>Step Seven</h3>
Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on a low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
<h3>Step Eight</h3>
Once the ivy gourd becomes tender, it is time to add the lemon juice. Stir well.
<h3>Step Nine</h3>
Turn off the heat, and garnish your Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
