Dondakkai / Kovakkai Poriyal Recipe (Tindora Poriyal)
Description
Kovakkai Poriyal, also known as Dondakkai or Tindora, is a delightful and healthy South Indian side dish that can perfectly complement your everyday meals. This simple yet flavorful vegetable, when steamed and combined with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and fresh coconut, brings out the essence of South Indian cuisine. Itโs an ideal dish for those following a No Onion No Garlic (Sattvic) diet, as itโs made without any onions or garlic but still packs a punch with its aromatic spices and coconut. Whether served with steamed rice or mixed with sambar, itโs bound to bring joy to your dining table.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: No Onion No Garlic (Sattvic)
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tindora (Dondakkaya/ Kovakkai) | 500 grams, cut into rounds or slices |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig, finely chopped |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch |
| Fresh coconut | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetable:
Begin by washing and cutting the Tindora (Dondakkaya/Kovakkai) into rounds or slices as per your preference. -
Steam the Kovakkai:
Place the cut Tindora into a steamer, sprinkle a pinch of salt over it, and steam on high heat until the vegetable becomes tender but retains a slightly firm texture. This should take around 10โ12 minutes, depending on the size of the slices. At home, we prefer the vegetables to maintain a firm texture, as it adds to the crunch and flavor. Once done, remove it from the steamer and set it aside. -
Tempering:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and split urad dal. Allow them to crackle and roast the dal until it turns crisp and golden. This step adds a lovely crunch and flavor to the dish. -
Season the Kovakkai:
Once the mustard seeds have popped and the dal is roasted, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and finely chopped curry leaves to the pan. Stir briefly to release the aroma of the curry leaves and hing. -
Combine the Steamed Kovakkai:
Add the steamed Kovakkai into the pan with the tempered spices. Stir gently to mix the seasoning evenly with the vegetable. Taste and adjust the salt as necessary. -
Add Fresh Coconut:
Stir in the freshly grated coconut and mix everything well. The coconut adds a lovely texture and enhances the dish with its mild sweetness. -
Final Touch:
Turn off the heat and transfer the Dondakkai / Kovakkai Poriyal to a serving bowl. -
Serve:
This delicious South Indian side dish can be served with steamed rice, Jeera Rasam, Mixed Vegetable Sambar, and a refreshing Beetroot Pachadi. Pair it with some crispy Elai Vadam (a traditional crispy rice flour snack) to complete a wholesome and satisfying South Indian meal.
Tips for the Perfect Kovakkai Poriyal
- Ensure that the Tindora is steamed just rightโtoo soft, and it loses its texture; too firm, and it wonโt absorb the flavors of the seasoning.
- If you prefer a slightly spicy kick, you can add a chopped green chili or red chili powder during the tempering step.
- For a richer flavor, you can use desiccated coconut instead of fresh coconut, but fresh coconut is the traditional choice and adds a natural sweetness.
- The dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Potassium | 200mg |
| Vitamin C | 5% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 5% DV |
This Kovakkai Poriyal, though simple in its ingredients and preparation, is a true testament to the beauty of South Indian home cooking. The combination of steamed Tindora with tempering and fresh coconut results in a dish that is light, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious side dish with your family!
