BITTER GOURD CURRY(DRY VERSION)

Bitter gourd or karela is used for various medical purposes. It is an excellent source of dietary fibre, it also contains twice the calcium of spinach, beta carotene of broccoli and potassium of a banana. It also helps in maintaining blood sugar level, lowers bad cholesterol level, for glowing skin and lustrous hair, cleanses the liver, helps in weight loss, boosts your immune system, great for your eyes. Since its bitter in taste many of them hate to eat bitter gourd. Even I used to not like to eat bitter gourd. But there are certain methods to reduce the bitterness. I don't peel the skin, I just remove the seeds and cut into pieces. Once you cut the bitter gourd add turmeric, salt and mix well. Keep it covered for 10 - 15 mins. Then wash it running water twice or thrice and squeeze the water from it. This method reduces little bitterness.

Ingredients:
4-5 bitter gourd(remove the seeds, do not peel the skin, and chop it)
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 onion
4-5 garlic cloves(chopped)
1 tomato
1/2 tbsp red chilli powder(as per your taste)
1 tbsp jaggery(powdered)
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp urad dal
1/4 tsp chana dal
1 red chilli
few curry leaves

Method:
1. Marinate the bitter gourd with turmeric and salt and keep it aside for 10-15 mins. Latter wash it with running water and squeeze the water completely.
2. In a pan add 2 tbsp of oil, chopped bitter gourd and fry in medium flame until the bitter gourd is almost cooked and turns crispy. Switch off the flame and keep it aside.
3. In another pan add 2 tbsp oil, mustard deeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, red chilli, urad dal and chana dal and saute for 2 mins. Next add chopped onions, garlic and fry until onions and garlic turns light brown. Add red chilli powder and tomatoes and fry until tomatoes becomes mashed and starts leaving oil by the sides.
4. Next add jaggery powder and fry for 1 min. Now add fried bitter gourd and mix well. Cover the lid and cook it in low flame for 2-3 mins. Finally mix again well and switch off the flame. Garnish with coriander leaves.
Serve hot and Enjoy with hot rice or chapatis!!!