KOVAKKAI - IVY GOURD VARUVAL
As i was a kid i used to eat the fruit of kovakkai which will be freely grown in the fences.. we won't use the vegetable though and i guess the usage of this vegetable and its super health benefits comes into limelight only in this decade. the fruit is very tasty with a sweet sour taste and its colour, a shade of red is very attractive.. Now as i started cooking this vegetable it became the favourite for my son .. he absolutely love this with curd rice and when he comes home in the evening from school he used to have the left over varuval like a snack .. so it is very tasty with a unique flavour which will make u an addict and want more.. I have added some of its health benefits which will make u buy the vegetable immediately..
Ivy gourd or coccinia grandis is also referred as baby watermelon, gherkin, gentlemen’s toes or little gourd. The skin of the ivy gourd is smooth with the blend of green and white colors. It consists of white flesh that is similar to the taste and appearance of a cucumber. Their taste is good and consists of many health benefits as described below.
Health benefits of ivy gourd
This vegetable improves the bowel movements of the body due to because it has the laxative qualities, which are resulted due to the existence of vitamin A and beta-carotene in the vegetable. With this property it also cures gonorrhea.
Controls blood sugar levels
Ivy gourd has the ability to control blood sugar levels in a natural way. This is because of the liver enzyme in the vegetable that controls the metabolism rate of sugar in the body with the process of improving glucose production. Hence it is highly recommended for diabetic patients to assist them in a strong way.
Health vitamins
As it is loaded with high amounts of vitamins it got the name of healthy food in various parts of India. Every vitamin is essential for the proper body functioning and is helpful for the defense mechanism. The abundant amount of vitamin C present in the vegetable helps to condition your bones and it also plays a vital role in the development of general structure of the body. On top of the above it is filled with the set of vitamins such as beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and B2, in addition it is thought to have the properties of anti anaphylactic as well as anti-histaminic. It is also believed that consumption of Ivy gourd along with the meals help to lower fever.
Some studies have noticed the presence of anti-oxidants in this veggie, and it assists our body by eliminating various illness conditions.
Heals certain diseases
Ivy gourd has been utilized as a medicine to cure asthma, bronchitis, jaundice and leprosy since time immemorial. The plant of this vegetable is used to control high fever and bowel problems. Also it is added in the diet to heal specific kind of blood diseases. People who are suffering with high cholesterol levels and asthma are suggested to intake the ivy gourd along with their diet inorder to hold it in control.
Include your diet with the Ivy gourd to lock the caring effects of the vegetable on your eyes, kidney, liver and heart. The regular intake of it gradually eliminates negative effects on your kidneys and it aids for the proper functioning of the kidneys. This particular veggie is utilized for the preparation of medicines that cure cough, hepatic problems, anorexia and diabetic wounds.
Ivy gourd is featured with the ability of detoxification and it acts ideal in cleaning our blood also. Ivy gourd not just has the anti-bacterial properties but also the pain killing and anti-ulcer properties. Leaves and the root of Ivy gourd are also responsible for the production of medicinal properties. The plant also got the advantage in the preparation of herbal supplements.
So whats there to wait just get the veggies, cook it and get all its benefits ..
INGREDIENTS
Kovakkai (ivy gourd) - 1/2 kg (chop into thin round slices as shown in the picture )
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Red chilly powder - 1 tsp ( add more if want spicy )
Salt - as required
Oil - 4 tbsp
Asafoetida (perungayam) - 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves - few
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Wash the vegetable thoroughly with water and cut both the ends. Make thin round slices as shown above..
Place a kadai on the stove, add oil,once it is heated add mustard seeds and asafoetida powder and let the mustard splutters, add the curry leaves and saute for 5 seconds.
Add the chopped kovakkai in the kadai, season it with salt, chilly powder, turmeric powder and mix it well.. cover and cook for about 20 to 30 minutes .. No need to add water.. stir occasionally and thats it your kovakkai varuval is ready.. serve it with sambar rice or curd rice.. it suits rotis also ...
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