This simple Tindora or Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick Indian vegetable side dish made with finely chopped vegetables, basic spices and fresh grated coconut. It is light, flavorful and pairs perfectly with rice, dal, chapati or sambar.
Ingredients
For Tindora Stir-Fry
- 250 g tindora (ivy gourd), thinly sliced
- ½ cup freshly grated coconut
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1–2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 8–10 curry leaves
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons water
For Cabbage Stir-Fry
- 3 cups finely shredded cabbage
- ½ cup freshly grated coconut
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1–2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 8–10 curry leaves
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
Read this – Vada Pav Recipe
Method
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the tindora or cabbage thoroughly.
For tindora, trim the ends and slice it into thin rounds or strips.
For cabbage, remove the outer leaves and finely shred the cabbage.
2. Prepare the Tempering
Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add cumin seeds, green chillies and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped tindora or shredded cabbage to the pan.
Sprinkle in turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Mix everything thoroughly.
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4. Cook Until Tender
For tindora: Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover and cook for about 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
For cabbage: Cover and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes. Cabbage releases moisture while cooking, so additional water is usually unnecessary.
Keep the vegetables slightly crisp for the best texture.
5. Add Fresh Coconut
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the freshly grated coconut.
Mix gently and cook uncovered for another 1–2 minutes. Turn off the heat.
How to Serve
Serve the stir-fry warm as a simple side dish with:
- Steamed rice and dal
- Sambar rice
- Rasam rice
- Chapati or roti
- Curd rice
A little fresh coconut sprinkled on top just before serving adds extra flavour and texture.
Read this – Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe – Simple & Comforting Meal
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
- Cut the vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcooking cabbage or tindora; a slightly crisp texture tastes better.
- Use freshly grated coconut for the best flavour.
- Adjust the green chilli and red chilli according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra flavour, add a small pinch of asafoetida to the tempering.
- A wide pan helps the vegetables cook evenly without becoming watery.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Conclusion
Tindora or Cabbage Stir-Fry is an easy everyday Indian side dish that requires minimal ingredients and very little cooking time. The combination of lightly spiced vegetables, aromatic tempering and fresh grated coconut creates a simple yet flavorful dish.
Whether served with rice and dal or paired with chapati, this quick stir-fry is an excellent addition to a wholesome homemade meal.
