Tondli Rassa - Gherkins Curry Style

Gherkins or Tondli or Tendli or Tindora is a very common vegetable consumed in an Indian household. I have not seen these in the mainstream grocery stores. I get mine from an Indian grocery store or from the farmer's market. To prep the vegetables, trim the edges and wash them well. I have seen them  cut either in circles or lengthwise. Enjoy this very simple yet delicious recipe with hot phulkas or rice.

Ingredients and Method:
2 lbs tondli
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 green chilli
Dash of asofoetida, hing
Paprika for color
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp red chilli powder (optional)
1/4 tsp garlic paste
1/4 tsp ginger paste
1/4 tsp tamarind pulp
1/2 tsp crushed jaggery
1/4 to 1/2 tsp goda masala
Grated coconut for garnish
Cilantro for garnish

1. Heat oil.  When hot, add the mustard seeds. When they sputter, add hing.
2. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and ginger paste.
3. Add tomatoes, stir and let cook covered for 5 minutes stirring intermittently. Add a dash or two of paprika for color.
4. Add all the spices - turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Allow to cook again for another 5 minutes. Add a little water as the mixture cooks.  The onions and tomatoes should be cooked completely and turned to a mush together. Remove and set aside.
5. in the same pan, add a little oil. When hot, add the tondli and toss them around like you would to a stir fry. Season with salt and a tiny pinch of sugar and keep tossing. I like it when the tondli gets a good sear which gives a good taste to the curry. You dont want to completely cook it here just get a good sear on high heat.
6. Now add the onion/tomato mixture back to the pan. Add 1 cup of water. Season with salt, tamarind, jaggery, red chilli powder, and goda masala.  Mix well and cook covered on low heat until the tondli is completely cooked.  I cooked the tondli for a good 20 minutes or so on low heat. I had to add water twice since the water evaporated in the process. Do not add too much water at once.

For other tondli recipes on this blog visit:

Tondli Rice:
http://slurpnburp-mithu.blogspot.com/2011/07/tondli-bhaat-gherkins-rice.html

Bharli Tondli:
http://slurpnburp-mithu.blogspot.com/2010/08/bharli-tondli-stuffed-gherkins.html