Maharashtrian Tendli Bhaji Recipe with Peanuts | Ivy Gourd Stir Fry | Tindora Sabzi
Description:
Maharashtrian Tendli Bhaji is a delicious and wholesome stir-fry made with tender ivy gourds (tendli or tondli), delicately spiced and enriched with the earthy crunch of roasted peanuts. A quintessential side dish in Maharashtrian cuisine, this easy-to-make vegetarian recipe pairs beautifully with chapatis, bhakri, or even rice and dal for a simple yet flavorful meal. The crushed peanuts provide a satisfying crunch, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tendli while adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. A perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, diabetic-friendly dish packed with nutrients and traditional flavors.
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tindora (Dondakaya / Kovakkai) | 500 grams, sliced into rounds or cut lengthwise |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup, roughly crushed |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 6 sprigs, finely chopped |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tindora (Ivy Gourd):
Begin by washing the tindoras (also known as dondakaya or kovakkai) thoroughly. Dry them using a clean kitchen towel and then slice them into thin rounds or cut them lengthwise, as per your preference. Set the sliced tindoras aside for later use. -
Roast and Crush the Peanuts:
In a dry pan, roast the peanuts on a low flame until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma. Once roasted, remove from heat and allow the peanuts to cool. Once cooled, roughly crush them using a mortar and pestle, or simply pulse them in a blender. Set aside the crushed peanuts for later. -
Temper the Spices:
In the same pan, heat the oil over medium flame. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and sesame seeds. Allow them to crackle and pop for a few seconds. Next, add the finely chopped green chillies and sautΓ© them for another 20-30 seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil. -
Cook the Tendli:
Add the sliced tindoras to the pan and stir well. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and season with salt. Mix everything thoroughly so that the spices coat the tindoras evenly. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tendli softens and cooks through. The tendli should be tender but still have a slight crunch. -
Add Final Spices and Peanuts:
Once the tendli is cooked, stir in the red chilli powder and coriander powder. Next, add the roughly crushed roasted peanuts to the pan and mix everything well. The peanuts will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the earthy taste of the tendli. -
Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish the Tendli Bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Stir again to incorporate the herbs into the dish. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this flavorful Maharashtrian Tendli Bhaji hot as a side dish with Jowar Bhakri (sorghum flatbread), Amti (Maharashtrian dal), Steamed Rice, or Chickpea and Peanut Salad for a complete and balanced Maharashtrian-inspired meal.
Tips for Best Results:
- Peanut Variations: If youβre short on time, you can use pre-roasted and peeled peanuts instead of roasting them yourself. Simply crush them before adding to the dish.
- Cooking Heat: Ensure that the tendli is cooked on medium heat to allow it to soften without burning the spices.
- Adding More Spice: For a spicier version of this recipe, feel free to increase the amount of green chillies or red chilli powder to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
This Maharashtrian Tendli Bhaji with Peanuts is an incredibly flavorful dish that brings together the natural sweetness of ivy gourd with a blend of earthy spices and crunchy roasted peanuts. Perfect for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious side dish, itβs a perfect accompaniment to your everyday meals or special occasions. Enjoy this traditional Maharashtrian delight as part of a wholesome, diabetic-friendly diet.
