Andhra Style Stuffed Ivy Gourds (Gutti Dondakaya Vepudu)

Gutti Dondakaya Vepudu Recipe – Andhra Style Stuffed Ivy Gourds

Gutti Dondakaya Vepudu is a flavorful and spicy Andhra-style dish made with ivy gourds (also known as Dondakaya or Kovakkai) stuffed with a crunchy, spiced mixture. This vegetable dish is a perfect side for steamed rice and pairs wonderfully with Andhra Pappu Charu. The rich blend of spices and roasted ingredients makes this a highly aromatic and satisfying addition to any meal, especially for those who enjoy the bold, tangy, and spicy flavors typical of Andhra cuisine.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Andhra

Course: Side Dish

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ivy Gourds:
   Begin by washing the ivy gourds (Dondakaya) thoroughly. Once clean, drain and dry them with a kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, make a long cross slit lengthwise on each ivy gourd. Be careful to keep the base intact, which will help hold the stuffing inside. Set the slit ivy gourds aside.

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2. Roast the Spices and Nuts:
   In a pan, heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the dry red chillies, white urad dal, and sauté until the dal turns golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
   In the same pan, dry roast the raw peanuts, coriander seeds, and sesame seeds one by one. Roast each ingredient until it becomes fragrant, then set aside to cool.

3. Make the Stuffing:
   Once the roasted ingredients have cooled, transfer them to a mixer grinder. Add salt to taste and grind the mixture into a coarse powder. This roasted spice and nut mixture will be used to stuff the ivy gourds.

4. Stuff the Ivy Gourds:
   Carefully fill each slit ivy gourd with the prepared roasted mixture. Press the mixture gently to ensure the stuffing stays inside and the gourd remains intact. Once all the ivy gourds are stuffed, set them aside.

5. Temper the Spices:
   Heat the remaining sunflower oil in a wide pan over medium flame. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them splutter. Once they begin to crackle, add the asafoetida (hing), curry leaves, and dry red chillies. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their flavors.

6. Sauté the Onions:
   Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn slightly brown and soft. The onions will add a subtle sweetness to the dish, balancing the spice of the stuffed gourds.

7. Cook the Stuffed Ivy Gourds:
   Add the stuffed ivy gourds to the pan. Gently stir them around to coat them in the tempering and onions. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat. After a few minutes, carefully turn the ivy gourds to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Continue cooking with the lid on for another 5 minutes, or until the gourds reach a crunchy texture.

8. Final Touches:
   Once the ivy gourds are perfectly cooked and crispy, turn off the flame. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Gutti Dondakaya Vepudu hot, alongside a bowl of steaming rice and a serving of Andhra Style Pappu Charu (lentil curry). This combination creates a comforting and wholesome meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The crunchy, flavorful stuffed ivy gourds make an irresistible side dish that will leave everyone asking for more.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tips for Success

• Stuffing Variations: You can adjust the stuffing ingredients according to your preference. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more dry red chillies or a pinch of chili powder.

• Roasting the Ingredients: Make sure to roast the peanuts, coriander, and sesame seeds one by one. Over-roasting them can cause bitterness, so keep an eye on them as they cook.

• Low Heat Cooking: The key to making the perfect Gutti Dondakaya Vepudu is cooking the stuffed gourds on low heat. This ensures that the flavors meld together and the gourds cook thoroughly without burning.

Gutti Dondakaya Vepudu is a classic Andhra dish that brings together the aromatic spices and rich flavors of the region. With its perfect balance of heat, crunch, and fragrance, it will quickly become a favorite side dish in your meal rotation. Enjoy it with steamed rice and a comforting bowl of Pappu Charu for an authentic Andhra experience.