Tindora 65 | Dondakaya 65 | Kovakkai Fry | Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry
Dondakaya Vepudu, also known as Ivy Gourd Fry or Kovakkai Fry or Tindora Fry, is a beloved South Indian dish that combines simplicity and flavour. This dish is made by deep-frying sliced ivy gourd with a blend of spices, resulting in a crispy and delicious accompaniment to your main course. With its crispy texture and spicy notes, it complements a variety of main dishes and can be enjoyed by itself as a snack.
The Magic of Ivy Gourd: A Culinary Delight
Ivy gourd, known as Dondakaya in Telugu, Tindora in Hindi, and Kovakkai in Tamil, is a humble vegetable that packs a powerful punch in terms of flavour and nutrition. Ivy gourd is more than just a tasty vegetable. It is rich in dietary fibre, which aids in digestion, and contains essential nutrients like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium. These nutrients help boost immunity, improve skin health, and maintain heart health. Additionally, ivy gourd is low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Tindora 65 is a delightful and spicy variation of the traditional Indian appetizer. It is a perfect snack or side dish for those who love bold flavours and crispy textures. The crispiness combined with the robust spices makes it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is a homemade version without food colour, but feel free to add some for a nice red colour.
Some Useful Tips:
- Consistency:Ensure the ivy gourd is sliced evenly for uniform frying.
- Spice Level:Adjust the red chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Food Colour: A pinch of red food colour can be added for that nice red colour.
- Deep Frying: Ensure oil is medium hot. This will make sure that the tindora’s are completely cooked.
Tindora 65 | Dondakaya 65 | Kovakkai Fry | Spicy Ivy Gourd Fry
Dondakaya Vepudu, also known as Deep-Fried Ivy Gourd or Kovakkai Fry, is a popular South Indian appetizer that is both crispy and flavorful.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Indian Street Food, Lunchboxrecipes, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
- 300 g Tindora
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- 2 tbsp Gram flour/Besan
- 2 tbsp Corn flour
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 Green chillies
- 1 spring Curry leaves
- 1 Cup Oil For frying
Wash and Slice the Ivy Gourd
Wash the ivy gourd thoroughly under running water.
Cut off the tips on both ends.
Slice the ivy gourd lengthwise into thin strips or rounds, as per your preference.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine tindora, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala. Mix well.
Now, add in ginger-garlic paste, besan and corn flour.
Mix well. Sprinkle water and give a good mix.
Fry the Ivy Gourd:
Once the oil is medium hot, carefully add the marinated ivy gourd slices in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry until the ivy gourd is golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 3-5 minutes per batch.
Fry Curry Leaves & Green Chillies
Keyword Dondakaya65, IvyGourdFry, KovakkaiFry, Tindora65