https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/943892940885999636/1077778109593567364/rn_image_picker_lib_temp_4388101b-8b47-4bb0-a563-78f6995a14d2.jpg?width=1247&height=585

Bitter gourd or Pavakkai as it is known here or karela in the north of India is not a very favored vegetable. In fact, most people including grown-ups prefer not to eat this. 

I too did not like this very much but my late mother-in-law showed me how to prepare it in such a way that it was delicious. My mother also used to cook it but you know the way with mothers and I never tried to encourage her to prepare it and as a result, I never got to eat this recipe. One more regret. 

Anyways, today, I prepared this and hope some of you might try it at home. I am not sure if you will be able to order this in a restaurant as it is a recipe that is passed on in the house of tambhrams as the Tamil Brahmins are called. 

It is basically a simple recipe and you do not need to have fancy ingredients. if you do not have ready-to-mix sambar masala, you can grind coconut along with dry-fried red chilly and Dhania seeds(coriander seeds).

So, here are the ingredients and the method. 

## Ingredients
* Bitter gourd - 1 small or half large
* Mustard seeds, one red chili, and oil for seasoning
* Tamarind paste or tamarind soaked in water - as per taste preference
* Sambar masala or ground coconut paste along with dry-fried coriander seeds and red chilly
* A pinch of turmeric
* Salt
* Water
* Cooked tuvar dal - 1 cup
**Sliced Bitter gourd**
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/943892940885999636/1077769561585221702/rn_image_picker_lib_temp_e00be021-c635-4ec4-89a1-e089ec3bc0c0.jpg?width=1247&height=585

**Tamarind soaked in water**

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/943892940885999636/1077769696314654821/rn_image_picker_lib_temp_3941d2f6-8b1b-451c-923c-e2bb193091f3.jpg?width=1247&height=585

**Frying the bitter gourd after seasoning**
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/943892940885999636/1077774507428823131/rn_image_picker_lib_temp_58d91919-00b0-4df4-a4de-6a65b0012e62.jpg?width=1247&height=585

**cooked tuvar dal**
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/943892940885999636/1077775736791896074/rn_image_picker_lib_temp_44a6d669-cb4e-4bdd-9f60-679206d0e757.jpg?width=275&height=586


**Mixing all the ingredients and boiling**
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/943892940885999636/1077775497733345361/rn_image_picker_lib_temp_d88757ef-d911-461d-bffa-3b78f3ca688f.jpg?width=1247&height=585

**Serve it in a bowl and garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves**
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/943892940885999636/1077778109593567364/rn_image_picker_lib_temp_4388101b-8b47-4bb0-a563-78f6995a14d2.jpg?width=1247&height=585

## Method
Slice the bitter gourd into small pieces and wash it. 
Heat a wok. Add oil. I use coconut oil for cooking. Then add a few mustard seeds and red chili. Let it splutter.
Add the sliced bitter gourd and stir it well till it browns.
Meanwhile, soak a bit of tamarind in hot water and squeeze the ball till you get the tamarind paste or you can use ready-to-mix tamarind paste.
Add this paste to the bitter gourd mix along with water and let it cook along with a pinch of turmeric and salt. 
Next, add sambar masala or (grind coconut with dry fried red chili and coriander seeds) and mix well. Let it cook.
Finally, add in the cooked tuvar dal and mix well. 
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with curry leaves and/or coriander leaves.

This curry can be had with hot rice or whatever you wish to eat it with. 

Bitter gourd is a vegetable that can be grown in your backyard. It is very good for people with diabetes. 

Bitter gourd can be sliced and blanched along with salt and left to dry in the sun. It can then be fried in oil. This is loved by all because it is tastier. 


if you are familiar with any bitter gourd recipes, please let me know so that I can try them. I hope you do make this recipe and let me know how it tasted. 

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All images belong to ©sayee