Masala Tinda (Persian Round Gourd) Recipe

Tinda (Round Gourd) is a healthy green vegetable famous in Southern and Middle East Asia.This Recipe is South Asian style of making Masala Tinda. This can be served fresh with Indian, Pakisatani, Persian or Afghani breads like Naan, Roti, Chapati, Parantha, Lavaash, Nan-e Afghani etc.

Ingredients

Vegetables :

Tinda (Round Gourd) -4 medium size (500 gms) - cut to small pieces
Onion -1 medium -chopped
Tomato -2 medium -chopped

Garlic -4 flakes
Green chili -2 or 3 depending on taste.
Ginger -1/2 inch
[Grind Garlic, Green Chilli and ginger to paste]

Spices Needed [Masala Powder]

2 tsp - Coriander powder
1/2 tsp - Red chili powder
1/2 tsp - Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp - Garam masala powder
1 tsp - Chat masala powder
Salt to taste

Seasoning & garnish

1/2 tsp - Jeera / cumin seeds
1cup - green Coriander leaves chopped

Other Ingredients
1 tsp - yogurt / curds [can be avoided if vegan]
2-3 tsp oil


Preparation :
1 ) Heat oil in a kadai or wok, add cumin seeds, wait for cumin seeds to spurt, add onion and fry till onion is lightly brown in color.Now add garlic, ginger and green chili paste. Fry for a minute.

2) Add spices - coriander, red chili, turmeric and garam masala. Stir and fry for 2 minutes, then add tomatoes and yogurt(optional).On low heat, covered with a lid, cook till tomato is well cooked. Add a little water to cook tomato.

3) Add chopped tinda (round gourd), stir and mix. Close with a lid and cook on very low heat. Add salt to taste.Cook till tinda is well cooked. Garnish with coriander leaves.

4) Sprinkle chat masala powder generously, stir and mix well.

Serve hot with Indian, Pakisatani, Persian or Afghani breads like Naan, Roti, Chapati, Parantha, Lavaash, Nan-e Afghani etc.