Get creative with ivy gourd: 5 vegan recipes you'll love
What's the story
Ivy gourd, a staple vegetable in many Asian cuisines, is known for its health benefits and versatility in cooking. This article explores five delicious vegan dishes starring ivy gourd, showcasing its nutritional value and distinctive flavor. From simple stir-fries to creative snacks, learn how ivy gourd can elevate your vegan cooking with its unique texture and taste.
Stir-fry
Ivy gourd stir-fry delight
A fast and healthy choice is the ivy gourd stir-fry. Simply thinly slice the vegetable and saute it with spices such as mustard seeds, turmeric, and a pinch of asafoetida for a fragrant flavor. This dish complements rice or roti, making it an ideal addition to any meal. The secret is to cook the ivy gourd until it's soft but still has a little crunch.
Pickle
Tangy ivy gourd pickle
If you like sour tastes, you'll love ivy gourd pickle. Just cut the veggie into small pieces and let it soak in a mixture of vinegar, salt, chili powder, and fenugreek seeds for a couple of days. This pickle is a great side dish or condiment, bringing a burst of flavor to vegan meals. Plus, it's a tasty way to preserve ivy gourd!
Chips
Crispy ivy gourd chips
Turn those ivy gourds into crispy chips for a healthier snack option. Just slice them thin, toss with chickpea flour, salt, and your favorite spices, then deep fry or bake until golden brown. Not only are these chips addictively delicious, but they also provide a nutritious snack packed with fiber.
Salad
Refreshing ivy gourd salad
Looking for a refreshing side dish or a light meal? Try an ivy gourd salad. Simply mix sliced raw ivy gourds with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Not only is it easy to make, but it also adds a crunchy texture and refreshing taste to balance out heavier dishes.
Curry
Savory ivy gourd curry
For a cozy dish, stew ivy gourds in coconut milk with warming spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Serve this luscious curry over a bed of rice or quinoa. This recipe emphasizes the vegetable's delicate sweetness against a backdrop of robust spices, demonstrating the ivy gourd's ability to soak up and amplify flavors.