### Gutti Dondakaya Recipe: A Quick Yet Tasty Andhra Style Stuffed Ivy Gourd
Andhra cuisine is famed for its array of stuffed vegetable recipes, with one of the favorites being Gutti Dondakaya, or stuffed ivy gourd. This classic vegetarian dish is a mainstay in Telugu households, cherished for its ease of preparation and robust flavors. The dish highlights the adaptability of dondakaya (ivy gourd), typically cooked with a special stuffing called kura podi (curry powder).
#### Ingredients
**For the Stuffing (Kura Podi):**
– 2 tablespoons dried red chilies
– 2 tablespoons dried coconut (copra)
– 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons Bengal gram (chana dal)
– Salt to taste
**For the Main Dish:**
– 250 grams young ivy gourds (dondakaya)
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– A few curry leaves
– A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
– Chopped coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
#### Preparation Steps
1. **Prepare the Kura Podi:**
– In a pan, dry roast the dried red chilies, dried coconut, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and Bengal gram over low heat until they are golden brown. Ensure they do not burn.
– Let the roasted components cool, then grind them to a fine powder. Adjust salt to taste and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Ivy Gourds:**
– Wash the ivy gourds thoroughly and trim the edges. Make a slit in each gourd halfway through lengthwise to create a pocket for the stuffing.
3. **Stuff the Ivy Gourds:**
– Fill each slit ivy gourd with the prepared kura podi, making sure each is well-filled.
4. **Cook the Gutti Dondakaya:**
– Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida.
– Gently place the stuffed ivy gourds in the pan. Cook on low heat, turning occasionally, until they are tender and cooked through, allowing them to absorb the spice flavors.
5. **Serve:**
– Once fully cooked, remove from heat. While additional garnishing isn’t necessary, you may sprinkle some chopped coriander leaves for a fresh finish. Serve hot with rice or roti.
#### Tips for Perfect Gutti Dondakaya
– **Choosing Ivy Gourds:** Select tender, slightly plump ivy gourds for optimal flavor and texture.
– **Roasting Spices:** The secret to a flavorful kura podi lies in the roasting process. Make sure to roast the spices over low heat to prevent burning.
– **Versatility:** The kura podi can be prepared in larger amounts and stored in the fridge for future use, making it handy for cooking other stuffed vegetables like gutti vankaya (stuffed brinjal).
Gutti Dondakaya is not merely a dish; it embodies Andhra’s culinary traditions, uniting simple ingredients to create a delightful meal. Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is essential for anyone eager to dive into the tastes of Andhra cuisine. Happy cooking!