31) SWEET & HOT BITTER GOURD CURRY

SWEET & HOT

BITTER GOURD CURRY

Ingredients:

1)    Bitter gourd – 400 gm.

2)    Tomatoes -100 gm.

3)    Medium hot green chilies – 4 Nos.

4)    Tender curry leaves – 2 sprigs

5)    Roasted coconut curry masala (see recipe) – 100 gm.

6)    Jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) – 100 gm.

7)    Dry gambooge (kudampuli) – a small piece (2 sq.cm.)

8)    Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon

9)    Coconut oil or other cooking oil – 1 tablespoon

10)                      Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon

11)                      Salt to taste

Note:

If gambooge is not available, use a teaspoonful of tamarind paste.

To Cook:

Split the bitter gourd lengthwise into 4 pieces. Remove the seeds. Slice widthwise into pencil-thick pieces. Use 30 ml. of water to melt and sieve. Chop the tomatoes. Split the green chilies into halves. Put a pan on the fire. Chuck in the bitter gourd, tomatoes, green chilies and the gambooge. Pour some water to cover the vegetables. Tip in the turmeric powder and the salt. Stir occasionally till the vegetables are cooked. Now add the melted jaggery and the roasted coconut curry masala. Boil for 5 minutes. Taste and add more seasoning if required.

Set a small pan on medium heat. Pour a tablespoon of cooking oil. Throw in the mustard seeds. When they are about to finish spluttering, put in the curry leaves. Stir and pour into the boiling curry.

Your sweet and hot bitter gourd curry is now ready to serve.

Enjoy!!!