Tinda Masala is a comforting, less commonly known vegetable dish from the Indian subcontinent, featuring apple gourds (Tinda) cooked in a mildly spiced tomato-based sauce. The dish highlights the delicate, slightly sweet flavor of Tinda, which absorbs the rich spices, offering a unique taste and texture. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore different vegetarian dishes. This dish pairs well with chapatis or paratha, making it a fulfilling meal ideal for lunch or dinner. It’s not only light and digestible but also provides a good source of vitamins and minerals essential for health.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500g Tinda (apple gourds), peeled and chopped
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle. Add onions and ginger-garlic paste and sauté until golden brown.
- Add tomato puree, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
- Add chopped Tinda and mix well. Cover and cook on low heat until Tinda is tender and the masala coats the pieces evenly.
- Sprinkle garam masala and give it a gentle stir. Serve hot with chapati or paratha.
Embark on a culinary exploration with Tinda Masala, a comforting dish that highlights the delicate flavor of tinda, also known as apple gourd. This recipe combines tinda with traditional Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, which complement its mild taste without overpowering it. The tindas are sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and green chilies, then simmered until tender, absorbing the rich flavors of the masala.
Tinda Masala is an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter curry option that is both flavorful and nutritious. It pairs beautifully with chapatis or parathas for a complete meal and offers a delightful change from the more commonly used vegetables. This dish not only provides a taste of authentic Indian home cooking but also introduces you to new textures and flavors, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.
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