Parikkai Mezhukkuvaratti - South Indian Style Stir Fried Bitter Gourd/ Melon (GF, V)
Isn’t it sometimes funny that the things we tend to like the most are really not very good for us? Chips and crisps, buttery cookies and cakes, cheese, creamy confections are a few that come to mind.
Ingredients
- 3 bitter gourds big (or 4 smaller ones)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder (increase for more "fire"!)
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida powder
- 1 tsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp jaggery powdered
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 onions small (or 1 big one), finely chopped
- 2 sprigs curry leaves
Instructions
- Trim both ends of the bitter gourd and then slit it lengthwise in half. Remove the soft centre and the seeds and chop the bitter gourd into small pieces, approximately 1/2 u201c size. Put this in a largish bowl and add the turmeric, chilli and asafoetida powders, the tamarind, jaggery and the salt. Mix well and let that marinate for about half an hour at least but not more than an hour.
- Then pour the oil into a wok and heat it. Add onions and sautxe9 till they turn golden brown. Add the curry leaves and the marinated bitter gourd, along with the liquid and keep cooking on high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Turn the heat down, cover loosely and let it cook till done (about 10 to 15 minutes) and all the liquid has eveaporated completely. Stir occasionally while cooking and check to see if it is done.
- Serve hot as a side dish along with rice and vegetables in gravy.