Tendli Bhaat (Ivy Gourd Rice) - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

This Tendli bhaat recipe is a traditional Maharashtrian style one-pot rice dish prepared using ivy gourd  ('tendli' or 'tondli' in Marathi, 'kundru' or 'tindora' in Hindi, 'tondekai' in Kannada and 'kovakkai' in Tamil) and goda masala in an instant pot pressure cooker or stovetop.

'Tendli' means ivy gourd and 'bhaat' means rice in Marathi. This healthy one-pot rice dish can be served for lunch or dinner with plain curd or raita of your choice. You may also like my other one-pot recipes Karnataka Style Bisi Bele Bath, Quinoa Bisi Bele Bath, and Methi Leaves Bhaat.

Every Maharashtrian household will have this goda masala powder (spice blend made using dry coconut, cinnamon, dry red chilies, stone flower, sesame seeds, and other ingredients) used like garam masala for Maharashtrian dishes.

I have used store brought Goda Masala for this recipe. Goda masala is an absolute must in masale bhaat with tendli. It gives a unique flavor and aroma to the dish.

Check out the famous Mumbai Pav Bhaji recipe made in the Instant Pot from my blog.

Benefits of Tindora (Ivy Gourd)

Ivy gourd is said to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may aid in the prevention or treatment of a diverse range of health conditions, from diabetes and high cholesterol to high blood pressure and obesity. - Source.

Tendli Bhaat Ingredients

• Tindora (ivy gourd): Wash and cut into thin strips.
• Rice: Traditionally medium grain rice like sona masoori rice is used. You can also use basmati rice.
• Oil: Use any vegetable cooking oil.
• Mustard & Cumin seeds: added for tempering.
• Ginger and garlic: I have used minced ginger and garlic.
• Green chilies: I have used two green Thai chilies.
• Curry leaves: are added to enhance the flavor.
• Dry spices: I have used turmeric powder, red chili powder, goda masala. You can increase or decrease the spices according to your choice. Goda Masala is the star ingredient, it's available in the Indian grocery stores or you can make it at home.
• Cashews – They give a nice crunch to the dish. If you have a nut allergy skip it.
• Garnish: I have used coriander leaves and fresh shredded coconut.

How to Make Tendli Bhaat in Instant Pot

Firstly, Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add ghee or oil and once it’s hot add mustard seeds and cumin (jeera) seeds, let them splutter.

Next add minced ginger, garlic, green chilies, curry leaves, cashews, and asafetida. Stir and saute for 30 seconds till the cashews turn light brown in color. 

Add the tindora (Ivy Gourd) and stir fry for a few seconds.

Next add rinsed rice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, goda masala, salt. Mix everything gently so the masalas coat with rice nicely.

Add water (depending on your rice variety). Mix well and deglaze the pot.

Close the lid on the pot, and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position.

Furthermore, Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set the timer to 5 minutes.

When the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then quick release the pressure manually. If you do not have time then do Quick Pressure Release (QR) Manually.

Lastly, remove the lid away from you, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and fresh coconut. Gently mix everything together.

Serve this Instant Pot Tendli Bhaat Recipe with pickle, papad, and raita.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method

Follow the same steps, close the pressure cooker lid, and place a whistle—Cook for two whistles on medium flame. Maharashtrian Tendli bhaat in cooker is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tendli Bhaat with some pickle, papad, raita, or kosambari (a type of salad). I also like to pair it with curd rice or sol kadhi for gatherings.

How to make Goda Masala at Home?

You can easily make Goda Masala at home. Also, Every family has its own recipe with variations in spices used. Goda masala is also known as Kala masala in some parts of Maharashtra.

For the Goda Masala (Spice Mix):

• 1 tablespoon Dry coconut/Desiccated Coconut
• 2 teaspoons Coriander Seeds
• 4-5 Black peppercorns (Kali Mirch)
• 1 or 2 Dry Red Chillies
• 2 green Cardamom (Elaichi)
• 3-4 Cloves (Lavang/Long)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
• ½ inch Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
• 1 small piece of stone flower (dagad phool) - optional

Method:

• Dry roast the spices one by one on medium-low heat until fragrant or they change color.
• Let this cool completely. Once cooled grind it into a fine powder and store it in an airtight container.

Tips to make Maharashtrian Tendli Bhaat

• Goda masala gives an authentic taste to the dish, but you can use vangi bhaat masala powder, garam masala, or pav bhaji masala for a variation.
• Goda Masala is readily available at Indian grocery stores or even on amazon. In case you don't find it, You can easily make it at home with readily available ingredients in the pantry.
• Vegans can replace ghee with oil.
• I have skipped onion and garlic and made No Onion No garlic version of tendli masale bhaat. However, you can add onions and garlic too.

FAQs

If you like this recipe, then check out more Instant Pot Rice Recipes below.

• Potato/Aloo Biryani
• Veg Biryani
• Spinach Rice
• Vegetable Pulao
• Tomato Rice
• Cabbage Rice
• Coconut Milk Pulao