Bitter Gourd Curry

For those who are thinking a curry made with bitter gourds? Trust me, it’s not that bitter. This Bitter Gourd Curry is tangy and has a little hint of sweetness from the shallots apart from the bitterness. I have used the smaller variety of bitter gourds. The key to reducing the harshness in taste is sautéeing the gourds well in oil without burning them while preparing. Slicing them thin helps as well. So, fear not. Give this Bitter Gourd Curry a try, and you won’t regret it.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams Bitter gourd, thinly sliced 
• 1 1/2 cups Shallots, peeled
• 2 Brinjals(optional), diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, peeled
• 3 Green chillies, slit
• 2 Tomatoes, diced
• Tamarind small lemon sized
• 2 sprig Curry leaves
• 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp Urad dal
• A pinch of Fenugreek seeds
• 3 tsp Curry powder
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Salt or as required
• 4-6 tbsp Oil
• 1 1/2 cup Water

Preparation:

Wash and slice the bitter gourds discarding the ends. Dice the brinjals and tomatoes. Peel the shallots and garlic. Slit the green chillies. Soak the tamarind in half cup of water. Heat oil in a skillet and add mustard seeds. Add urad dal and fenugreek seeds after it sputters. Let it turn brown. Add in shallots, garlic cloves, green chillies and curry leaves. Sauté them well in oil. 

Once the shallots turn translucent, add the sliced bitter gourds. Stir them through the oil. The bitter gourds start changing to a pale green colour as it cooks. 

Now, add in the brinjals and tomatoes. Sauté well. Add salt and turmeric.

Next, extract and add tamarind along with a cup of water. Let it boil so the raw smell of the tamarind leaves. Add the curry powder. Mix well. Cover cook for five minutes. Take off the lid, adjust the seasoning if required and make sure the vegetables are tender.

Switch off the flame and serve hot with rice.

Notes:

• I have used the small variety of bitter gourds in this recipe.
• Use an ample amount of oil for sautéing, as it helps in reducing the bitterness of the bitter gourds.