KAKARAKAYA PULUSU

INGREDIENTS::

Kakarakaya/Bitter gourd        3-4    

Onion                                    1( medium)

Green chilies                          3

Chilly powder                        1 tsp

Dhania/coriander powder       1 tsp

Turmeric powder                   1/4 tsp

Tamarind                               lemon size

Jaggery/sugar                         2 tsp

Salt                                       as needed

Sugar                                     1 tsp(for boiling pieces)

FOR TEMPERING::

Mustard seeds                   1 tsp

Cumin seeds                      1 tsp

Chana dal                          1 tsp

Urad dal                            1 tsp

Oil                                     1 tsp

PROCEDURE::

1) Peel the skin of the bitter gourd and cut them into small pieces.

Mix salt and sugar in water, add the pieces to it. Now microwave it for 5 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes.

Now squeeze the water from the pieces and keep aside.

Doing so reduces the bitterness of the veggie.

2) Heat oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds once they splutter then add the cumin seeds, chana dal and urad dal. Saute for 1 minute.

Now add the onion and green chilies. Saute for 2-3 minutes until they turn transparent.

3) Now add the par boiled bitter gourd pieces . Fry for 3 minutes.

Now add the red chilly powder, coriander powder and  salt. Mix well.

4)  Now add 1 cup of water and cover the lid and let it cook for 5 minutes until the pieces are completely cooked. To check take a piece out and then press the piece between the thumb and index finger.

Once cooked then  add the tamarind extract and jaggery/sugar to it.  Again cook for 2-3 minutes. 

Turn off the heat and then serve with rice.