Pagarkai Masala (Bittergourd Masala)

 Another tasty poriyal with Bitter Gourd.. It goes well with Sambar rice and Curd rice. First Bitter Gourd is cooked in tamarind water and then its sauteed together in a Onion - Tomato gravy.. The recipe follows..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Paggarkai                 - 250 gm (Bitter Gourd)
Big Onion                - 1
Tomato                    - 1
Tamarind                 - 1 tsp
Salt                          - As required
Turmeric Powder   - 1/2 tsp
Chili Powder           - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder   - 1/2 tsp
Mustard Seeds         - 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds           - 1/4 tsp
Curry Leaves           - few
Oil                           - 1 tbsp

Procedure:

• This recipe uses Big Bitter Gourd. Wash and chop it into thick round slices. Chop Big onion and Tomato finely. Extract juice from Tamarind.
• Take a Sauce pan. Add chopped Bitter Gourd, Tamarind juice, salt and a pinch of Turmeric powder to it. Add enough water just to soak Bitter Gourd and start boiling it. Cook until Bitter Gourd is soft.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add Mustard seeds and Cumin  Seeds.
•  When they splutter, add Big Onion and Curry leaves.
• After it turns translucent, add chopped Tomatoes.
• Add also salt, Turmeric Powder, Chili Powder and Coriander Powder.
• Cover with a lid and cook. After both onion and tomato is cooked and mashed up well, add cooked Bittergourd along with water if there is any.
• Saute till the masala reaches thick consistency. Enjoy your tasty Bitter Gourd poriyal.