BITTER GOURD PITLAI

BITTER GOURD PITLAI:

INGREDIENTS:

Bitter gourd (Cut pieces)  1  cup

Toor dhal  1 and 1/2  tbsp

Urad dhal  2  tsp

Coriander seeds  1 and 1/2  tsp

Black pepper   10  (In number)

Red chillies  2

Grated coconut  1 tbsp

Salt

Thick tamarind extract  1  tbsp

Thin tamarind extract   2 tbsp

Jaggery 2 to 3 tsp

Mustard seeds  1 tsp

PREPARATION METHOD:

Wash toor dhal and add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and few drops of oil.

Add the cut bitter gourd pieces into a  salt water bowl. Let it for 1 hour.

Drain water from gourd, squeeze it and add thin tamarind extract and turmeric powder.

Pressure cook both in separate bowls. Remove from the cooker and drain the water from gourd.

Add 1 tsp oil to a hot pan and roast urad dhal, pepper, red chillies and coriander seeds till golden.

Switch off the stove and add grated coconut  and mix well. Let it cool.

Grind the roasted things with little water.

Add 2 tsp oil to a hot pan and add mustard seeds.

Add cooked gourd, tour dhal,  ground paste, thick tamarind extract and jaggery.

Mix well and when it starts boiling, add salt and switch off the stove.

Mix well and serve hot with white rice and a spoon of ghee.

PS: The seeds inside the bitter gourd should be removed while cutting.