Bitter Gourd (Bitter Melon) Roast
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Side
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
  • Coconut oil- 1 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
  • Dried red chilies, halved- 2
  • Curry leaves- 10 leaves
  • Onion, chopped- 1 (or use 4 shallots sliced)
  • Tomatoes, chopped- 1
  • Bitter gourd, diced- 2 cups
  • Chili powder- 1 tsp (for less heat add Kashmiri chili powder)
  • Turmeric powder- ¼ tsp
  • Cumin powder- 1 tsp
  • Tamarind juice, fresh- ½ cup, soak 2-inch slice tamarind in ½ cup warm water
  • Jaggery or palm sugar- 1 tbsp
  • Water- 1 cup
  • Salt- 1½ tsp
Instructions
  1. If using fresh tamarind: soak 2-inch slice tamarind in ½ cup lukewarm water for 5 minutes, squeeze the tamarind in water to extract the juice out of it using your fingers. Strain the juice and discard seeds and skin. Keep it aside.
  2. Remove the seeds from the bitter gourd & dice them. I've taken 3 medium-sized bitter gourds
  3. Place a saucepan over medium heat, add oil, let turn hot.
  4. Add mustard seeds, let splutter.
  5. Add dried red chilies & curry leaves, saute for a few seconds.
  6. Add the onion, season with ½ tsp salt. Saute for a minute.
  7. Let the onions turn translucent.
  8. Add the tomatoes, cook till they are slightly mashed up.
  9. Now, add the diced bitter gourd along with ½ cup water & cook covered till the bitter gourd turns soft.
  10. After the bitter gourd turns soft, add chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder & salt. Combine well & cook for a minute.
  11. Add the tamarind juice, combine well & cook for 2 minutes.
  12. Add jaggery, combine well.
  13. Add ½ cup more water, mix well.
  14. Cover the pan with the lid, cook for 5 minutes.
  15. Taste and add more jaggery if it's too bitter.
  16. This dish will be slightly bitter, however, jaggery & tamarind added will impart a sweet & tangy taste.
  17. Take the pan off the heat.
  18. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  19. Serve as a side dish along with rice or chapati.
Notes
Bitter gourd is available in all Indian stores, if not fresh you will always find frozen ones.
Remove the seeds from the bitter gourd, otherwise, it will be very bitter.
Jaggery and tamarind juice will impart a sweet and tangy taste to this dish.
Recipe by Cooking with Thas - Wholesome Homemade Recipes at https://thasneen.com/cooking/bitter-gourd-pavakka-pulikari-easy-diabetic-friendly-recipe/