Paavakkai (Bitter Gourd) Pitlai

I used to hate bitter gourd for its bitterness. But the below recipe which I got from my friend Deepa doesn't taste bitter at all and I like it very much.

Ingredients:

• Paavakkai
• Toor dal - cooked
• Asafoetida
• Mustard
• Urad dal
• Tamarind water
• Turmeric
• Sambar powder
• Curry leaves
• Coriander leaves

Masala podi:

Dry roast and grind-

• Coriander seeds - 1 Tbsp
• Red chillies - 4
• Channa dal - 2 Tbsp
• Peppercorns - 1 Tbsp
• Cumin seeds - 1 Tbsp

Method:

• Remove the seeds from bitter gourd and slice it into cubes
• Sprinkle the salt over the bitter gourd and set aside for few hours and wash it thoroughly (This will remove the bitterness)
• Splutter mustard, add urad dal, asafoetida  and curry leaves
• Add bitter gourd and saute it well
• Add turmeric, tamarind water, salt and  sambar powder and let it boil.
• Add cooked toor dhal and the special podi and let it boil until the raw smell goes away
• Garnish it with coriander leaves