Pavaka (Bittergourd) Pitlai

Ingredients:

Bittergourd -3

Tamarind  - a lemon size

Chana dhal - 1 Tblsp

turmeric powder -1 tsp

Curry leaves - few

Dhaniya (coriander seeds) 1 tsp

Methi seeds (fenugreek) 1 tsp

Red chillies - 8

Mustard seeds -1 tsp

Grated coconut -1/2 cup

Coriander leaves for garnishing

For seasoning:

Urad dhal (black gram dal) -1 tsp

Asafoetida (hing) - a pinch

Mustard seeds -1 tsp

Ghee - 2 tsps

Method:

1. Cut the bittergourd into small pieces and cook them in tamarind water.

2. Add salt, turmeric powder and curry leaves.

3. In a kadai roast chana dal, coriander seeds,red chillies and methi seeds.

4.  Wet grind the roasted items with fresh grated coconut and add to the tamarind water with bittergourd and mix well and allow it to boil for few minutes.

5.  When the mixture thickens,remove from the fire.
6. Now  garnish with little coriander leaves and then season with mustard seeds,urad dal and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).