COOL BITTER GOURD

Not everyone is fond of eating this  dish.   This dish I prepare   in a way that  bittery taste is done away, and cooked well and without  losing its nutritional value.  

For this we need some small tender and green bitter gourds.

We need

Small bitter gourd       250gms

Onions    (sliced)             2  

Tomato                             1

Mustard  oil for frying                2 tsp

Salt    to taste

Turmeric  1/2 tsp

Corainder  powder   1/2 tsp

Chilli powder              1/4 tsp

Fenugreek seeds.        1 tsp

Fennel seeds(saunf)    1/2 tsp

Mango powder                1/2 tsp

Mustard  sauce or tamarind paste - 1 tsp.

METHOD

Wash  and peel and   the bitter gourd, slit them and  sprinkle  some salt  and keep it aside. Wash and dry before frying. 

Heat a  deep bottomed  pan and heat  mustard oil .you can use  refined oil or any other oil of your choice. Now add the bitter  gourd   to the oil and let dry till  slightly golden brown  on a  low flame.

 Now add the sliced onions and further fry till onions too turn brown.  Add the funefreek   seeds and the fennel seeds. Slightly  saute. Do not add water at all. To make the bitter gourd  soft add a  finely chopped  tomato and stir.   Now add the salt, turmeric, corainder and chilli powder  and mix well.  Let cook for another 5 minutes. 

Add the tamarind or mustard paste to give it a tangy taste. Add the dry mango powder   and sprinkle 1/2tsp of water to get all of it mixed well. Cover with lid and  after 2 minutes switch off the flames. Serve with Roti or Partha. It is a great side dish with any meal.