Kovakkai / Manoli Masala fry

Kovakkai is the most infamous veggie in Tellicherry ( kerala) rarely i find this veggie in the market...I pity poor veggie!!!This veggie has got a gr8 source of fiber.. In Mangalore where i was brought up this veggie is very famous & they call it Manoli it's even called ivy gourd . I make sure i cook this veggie at least once a week.
It's a very simple dish with lots of garlic & curry leaves with basic spices.You can use any chilly powder or can use both spicy & byadgi red chilly powder or can use 2 tbsp of kundapuri masala powder. Cooked in this way i love it, Try it & give your comments :)

• Click here for - Kundapuri chicken masala powder

Serves :4 
 Ingredients:

• 500 gm Kovakkai /Manoli.
• 1 cup water.
• 2 tsp Red chilli powder ( can add more if u like it more spicy)
• 1/2 tsp jeera powder / cumin powder.
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder.
• 1 tsp coriander powder.
• Few curry leaves.
• 12 clove garlic thinly sliced.
• Salt to taste.
• 2 tbsp oil.

Method:

•  Wash the kovakkai & nip the tip & tail ends.
• I've given step by step the pics.

• Slit the kovakkai vertically into four without breaking them apart (As you can see in the above pic) .

• Take a heavy bottomed pan or a non-stick pan add the Kovakkai / Manoli red chilly powder (i used byadgi red chilly powder) jeera / cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garlic & salt to taste or add 2 tbsp kundapuri masala powder & mix well.

• Add  1 cup water cover with a lid & cook till dry.

• When the water is absorbed  add 2 tbsp oil or more if required & fry them on medium flame till brown.

• When it's getting brown add the curry leaves & keep stirring frequently. 

• Fry till  its brown ( this will take time 5-10 ).

•  If using microwave add 1 tsp oil mix well & arrange on a plate add curry leaves & cook on high level for 5-6 min.

 The above image is cooked in microwave. It looks a bit wrinkle.....It's very tasty try it :) :) 

Serve hot as a side dish.