Ivy gourd is also called as tindora, dundru, tendli or tondekayi.  Ivy gourd or tendli is high in fibre which helps in the digestion of food.  It is a powerful antioxidant and is known to increase immune system function as well.  Ivy gourd is known to be good for treating skin infections too. Tendli or ivy gourd rice is a very popular rice dish in Maharashtra and some parts of North Karnataka.  A very delicious one pot meal which can be had plain or with curd or onion tomato raita.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 2 cups
• Ivy gourd/tendli - 1 cup (slit vertically thin pieces)
• Cooking oil/ghee - 2 tablespoons
• Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin/jeera seeds - 1 teaspoon
• A pinch of asafoetida
• A string of curry leaves
• Cashewnuts - 2 tablespoons
• Green chillies - 2 (slit vertically)
• Red chilli powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Goda masala powder - 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt to taste
• FOR GARNISHING
• Grated fresh coconut - 2 tablespoons
• Chopped coriander leaves - 2 tablespoons

Method

Step 1

HOW TO MAKE TENDLI OR IVY GOURD RICE Wash and cut the tendli into vertically thin pieces and keep aside.

Step 2

Wash and soak basmati rice in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.

Step 3

Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once the seeds stop spluttering, add curry leaves, green chillies, asafoetida, cashew nuts and chopped tendli and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Add turmeric powder, salt, coriander powder, goda masala and mix well. Cook for another one minute.

Step 5

Add drained basmati rice and mix well. Add 4 cups of water and combine together.

Step 6

Add sugar, lemon juice and mix well. Pressure cook on medium flame upto 3 whistles.

Step 7

Once the rice is cooked and steam is settled down, remove the rice in a serving plate. Garnish with coriander leaves and grated coconut.

Step 8

Serve tendli/masale bhaat hot with onion-tomato raita, papads or with just plain curd.

Step 9

NOTES : Goda masala is an important ingredient for this dish. But if you don't have it, you can replace with garam masala. This rice can also be cooked in a heavy bottomed sauce pan instead of pressure cooker.