Ivy Gourd Paturi (Tindora / Tendli steam cooked in Banana Leaf)

Grind the cashew nuts, mustard seeds, green chilies and coconut to a smooth paste. Mix along with yogurt, salt, turmeric powder, mustard oil, coriander leaves and Ivy Gourd.

Heat a tawa / pan and place the banana leaves on them for a few seconds on both sides. This will help it to become more pliable so that it can be easily folded without breaking.

Place little of the Ivy Gourd mix in the centre of a banana leaf along with a chili and fold into a parcel. Tie with a string and keep aside. Do the same with rest of the mix.

Steam for 15-20 minutes. Midway, turn them over gently to cook the other side too. When done, discard the string and open the parcel and serve them with hot steamed rice.

Note - I had to substitute poppy seeds with cashew nuts as the former is unavailable here. But believe me there was no change in the taste and flavour. It turned out just yummy.