Tendli(Ivy gourd) Rice with Kadhi is a classic dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of India. This delightful combination of spiced ivy gourd rice and tangy buttermilk-based curry is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, Tendli Rice with Kadhi brings together a medley of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For Tendli Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 200 grams tendli (ivy gourd), sliced
- 3-4 green chilies, chopped
- 2 spring curry leaves
- 7-8 garlic cloves
- 3-4 pieces of chopped ginger
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For Kadhi
- 500 ml buttermilk
- 1/2 tablespoons chickpeas flour (besan)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 chopped green chili
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step by Step Recipe
Preparing Tendli Rice
- Wash and Soak Rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare Tendli: Wash and slice the tendli vertically.
- Prepare Wet Masala: In a mixer jar add garlic, ginger, green chilis, curry leaves and make a fine paste.
- Sauté Spices and Vegetables: Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add wet masala and curry leaves. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder and garam masala and coriander powder. Mix it well and cook for a minute.
- Add Tendli and Salt: Add sliced tendli to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Add salt and mix well.
- Combine Rice and Tendli: Add the soaked rice to the cooker with tendli. Gently mix to combine everything. Add water. Close the cooker lid and cook it for 3-4 whistles.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Making Kadhi
- Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: In a bowl, take buttermilk and add gram flour to it. Mix well to form a lump-free batter. Add water to achieve a thin consistency.
- Cook Kadhi: In a pot, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste green chili, and curry leaves and turmeric powder. Once they splutter, pour in the buttermilk mixture. Add sugar to balance the buttermilk sour taste.
- Simmer: Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: If the kadhi thickens too much, add a little water to adjust the consistency. Check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips for Perfection
- Whisk the buttermilk thoroughly to avoid lumps in the kadhi.
- Continuously stir the kadhi while cooking to prevent the buttermilk from curdling.
- Use fresh tendli for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Ivy gourd Rice hot with a generous serving of kadhi on the side.
- Accompany with a simple salad or vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
- A side of pickle and papad adds extra crunch and flavor to the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the rice can result in a mushy texture.
- Adding too much gram flour can make the kadhi too thick and pasty. Stick to the recommended quantity.
- Not stirring the kadhi while it cooks can cause it to curdle. Stir frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
History and Origin
Ivy gourd Rice with Kadhi is a beloved dish in Indian households, particularly in regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat. Tendli, also known as ivy gourd or tindora, is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine, appreciated for its crunchy texture and mild flavor. Kadhi, a buttermilk-based curry, has its roots in the northern and western parts of India, where it’s traditionally served with rice or khichdi. This combination of tendli rice and kadhi reflects the culinary ingenuity of blending local ingredients with traditional cooking methods.
Health Benefits
- Tendli (Ivy Gourd): Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, ivy gourd supports digestive health and boosts immunity.
- Buttermilk: Packed with probiotics, yogurt aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
- Chickpeas Flour (Besan): High in protein and fiber, besan helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports heart health.
- Spices: Turmeric and cumin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
Variations
- Vegetable Tendli Rice: Add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes to the tendli rice for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
- Kadhi Pakora: Add fried gram flour dumplings (pakoras) to the kadhi for a richer and more indulgent version.
- Spicy Kadhi: Increase the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder for a spicier kadhi.
Regional Cuisines
- Maharashtrian: Ivy gourd rice is often prepared with Goda masala, a special spice blend unique to Maharashtra.
- Gujarati: In Gujarat, kadhi is typically sweeter, with the addition of a little sugar or jaggery.
- Rajasthani: Rajasthani kadhi is thicker and spicier, often accompanied by bajra (pearl millet) rotis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice for Ivy gourd Rice?
- Yes, brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more water.
- How do I prevent kadhi from curdling?
- Continuously stir the kadhi while it cooks and avoid cooking on high heat.
- Can I make kadhi with yogurt instead of buttermilk?
- Yes, yogurt can be used as a substitute for buttermilk. Adjust the consistency by adding gram flour and water.
- What other vegetables can I add to Tendli Rice?
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, beans, and cauliflower for added nutrition and flavor.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover Tendli Rice and Kadhi in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
To know more about Ivy gourd click here.
Few of our other Trending Recipes:
Misal Pav Recipe: A Spicy Delight from Maharashtra
Pohe Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide