Tinda (Apple Gourd) ki Sabzi Recipe
Tinda, also known as Apple Gourd, is a popular summer vegetable in India. It is known for its mild flavor, tender texture, and high water content, making it a refreshing and light choice for meals. Tinda ki Sabzi is a simple yet delicious curry made with basic Indian spices. It pairs well with roti, paratha, or rice and is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
In this recipe, I will guide you through making Tinda ki Sabzi step by step, using traditional Indian flavors to enhance its natural taste. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 grams Tinda (Apple Gourd) – peeled and chopped into cubes
- 2 medium-sized onions – finely chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes – finely chopped
- 2 green chilies – finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves – minced
- 1-inch ginger – grated
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
- ¼ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania powder)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Tinda
- Wash the tinda thoroughly under running water.
- Peel off the skin using a knife or peeler.
- Cut the tinda into medium-sized cubes. Avoid cutting them too small, as they may become mushy while cooking.
- Keep the chopped tinda aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Masala Base
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add asafoetida (hing) for extra flavor.
- Now, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Next, add green chilies and mix well.
Step 3: Cooking the Tomatoes and Spices
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir well.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Mix everything well and let the tomatoes cook until they turn soft and mushy. Stir occasionally.
- Once the masala releases oil, it is ready for the next step.
Step 4: Cooking the Tinda
- Add the chopped tinda to the pan and mix well with the masala.
- Stir everything properly so that the spices coat the tinda pieces evenly.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low-medium heat for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- If the sabzi looks too dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the tinda becomes soft but not mushy. It should hold its shape.
Step 5: Final Touch
- Once the tinda is cooked, add garam masala and amchur powder for a tangy taste.
- Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Tinda ki Sabzi hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
- Pair it with dal and curd for a wholesome meal.
- A side of pickle or papad enhances the flavors.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Best Taste
- Choose fresh and tender tindas – They should be small to medium-sized and firm to touch. Overripe tindas may have hard seeds.
- Cook on low flame – This helps the flavors to blend well without overcooking the tinda.
- Don’t add too much water – Tinda has high water content, so it releases water while cooking. Adding extra water can make the sabzi too watery.
Variations
- Tinda with Potatoes – Add chopped potatoes along with tinda for a more filling dish.
- Tinda with Besan (Gram Flour) – Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of roasted gram flour while cooking for a nutty flavor.
- Stuffed Tinda – Instead of cutting tindas into cubes, make a slit and stuff them with a spice mix before cooking.
Health Benefits of Tinda
- Rich in fiber – Aids digestion and prevents constipation.
- Low in calories – Ideal for weight loss diets.
- Hydrating vegetable – Keeps the body cool in summer.
- Good for heart health – Contains antioxidants that promote cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Tinda ki Sabzi is a simple yet delicious dish that brings out the best flavors of this humble vegetable. Whether you enjoy it with roti or rice, it is a comforting and nutritious addition to your meal. Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out!
Would you like more variations or a different cooking method? 😊