Authentic preparation from my native Karwar, Bitter Gourd cooked in coconut with Indian spices and to make it more aromatic and flavorful added turmeric leaves too. Bitter gourd is known for its anti-diabetic
properties. It also helps in fighting cancer and obesity and has many other health benefits.
Ingredients: · Hagalakai or Bitter Gourd – 3 medium sized · Fresh Grated Coconut - 1 Cup · Tamarind - 1 small lemon sized · Mustard Seeds – ¾ tsp · Fenugreek seeds – ¼ spoon · Coriander seeds – 1 ½ tbsp
· Black pepper - 7-8 · Byadagi Red Chillies –5-6 · Turmeric Powder – ¾ tsp · Jaggery - 4 tsp (as per your preference) · Onion – 2 medium sized (finely chopped) · Salt · Oil - 1 ½ tbsp
· Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp (for tempering)
· Curry leaves - 1 sprig (for tempering)
· Hing - ¼ tsp (for tempering) Method: · Cut the Hagalkai or Bitter Gourd into half and remove the seeds. Chop Hagalakai or Bitter Gourd into small pieces. · Now add little salt to the chopped bitter gourd and keep it aside for 15-20 mins. This will help to reduce the bitterness. · After 20 mins take little bitter gourd in your hand and press it, this will release water. Keep it aside. · Now take a pan and slightly roast mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, black pepper, coriander seeds and whole byadagi mirchi. · Take a mixer jar add freshly grated coconut, turmeric powder, the above roasted ingredients along with tamarind and Jaggery. Add little water and grind to smooth paste. · Heat 1 ½ tbsp of oil in a kadai. Add Mustard Seeds; once they splutter add hing, curry leaves · Now add the chopped Hagalakai or Bitter Gourd, fry for 3-4 mins and now add chopped onions and let them turn slightly golden in colour. Fry in low to medium flame till they shrink and change their colour slightly. This may take about 6-8 minutes. Take care to see that the bitter gourd pieces do not get burnt. · Now add ½ cup water and close the lid and cook it for 3-4 minutes till Hagalakai or Bitter Gourd pieces turn soft. · Then add the grounded Coconut paste and mix everything well. Add salt, mix everything once. Add turmeric leaves too. · Cook this mixture for about another 10 minutes on low flame and cover it with a lid. Once it starts to boil, turn off the flame. · Aromatic Hagalkai or Bitter Gourd Masala is ready to be served with hot plain rice or chapati.
Buttermilk Kadhi also helps to detox and rinse out your body, makes for a healthier substitute for traditional milk. Accompanied with rice (not in frame).
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