Bittergourd Gojju

Ingredients:-

1. 2 medium sized bittergourds
2. 1 tsp mustard seeds
3. 1 sprig curry leaves
4. 1 onion, minced
5. 3-4 garlic cloves minced
6. 2 tsp red chilli powder
7. 1 tsp cumin powder
8. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
9. 1 tsp dhania powder
10. 2 tsp sambhar powder
11. 2 tsp shredded coconut
12. 1 tsp methi(fenugreek) seeds, roasted and powdered
13. 2 tsps white sesame seeds, roasted and powdered
14. 2 tablespoon jagggery melted or 2 tsp sugar
15. Juice of a small ball of tamarind
16. Asafoetida - A Pinch
17. Salt to taste

METHOD:

• Scrape the skin of the gourds till smooth and wash them.
• Cut lengthwise and remove the seeds.
• Cut them into large half-rounds.
• Smear salt on them and place a heavy weight on them.
• This method is used to reduce the bitterness of the vegetable.
• Set aside for 1/2 hr.
• Fry in 3 tsp oil till well browned.
• Drain and set aside.
• Heat about 3 tsp oil and add the mustard and curry leaves.
• When the mustard crackles, add the minced onion and garlic.
• Fry till done.
• Now add all the raw dry powders and fry for 2 minutes.
• Now add the shrdded coconut and keep frying for 2 more minutes.
• Add the fenugreek and sesame powders and mix well.
• Add the fried gourd, jaggery and tamarind.
• Add salt to taste and enough water to cover the vegetable.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
• Cook till the gavy thickens and you get a gojju consistency.
• Remove from heat and add the hing.
• Mix well and serve like a chutney with plain rice/dosa/chapati.