Tindora nu shaak (Stuffed Tindora/Kovakkai)

Tindora/Kovakkai is a common veggie at home but what we have been doing usually is to just make it like a dry curry along with onion and tomato. Tindora nu shaak is a Gujarati recipe and it is made by filling each and every tindora with mixed spices. It has a special aroma to it and is a great accompaniment with any rice or roti. Usually tindoras take a long time to get cooked but this recipe follows a pressure cook method which makes it very easy and fast for the tindoras to get cooked.

INGREDIENTS:

• Tindora/Kovakkai - 15
• Oil - 3 Tbsp
• Asafoetida - 1/4 Tsp

For Stuffing:

• Grated coconut - 5 Tbsp
• Coriander leaves - 1/2 cup, finely chopped
• Coriander-cumin powder - 5 Tsp
• Chilli powder - 1 Tsp
• Ginger-green chilli paste - 2 Tsp
• Sugar - 1 Tbsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 Tsp
• Salt - as needed
• Gram flour/besan - 2 Tsp

METHOD:

1. Slit the tindoras through their centre upto 3/4th of their length
2. Mix together all the ingredients mentioned under "For Stuffing"
3. Stuff the tindoras with the mixed spices. If there is any more stuffing left over, just add it over all the tindoras and mix well
4. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add asafoetida and saute for a few seconds
5. Add the stuffed tindoras, very little water and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles