Bittergourd Pitlai
by sumagandlur

A spicy bitter gourd or karela vegetable preparation. . . . Bittergourd pitlai is a typical south indian recipe. The pitlai is easy to prepare and quite healthy!

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Bittergourd Pitlai recipe - How to make Bittergourd Pitlai

3 bitter gourd (karela)
1 cup grated coconut
6 whole dry kashmiri red chillies
1 tsp coriander (dhania) seeds
1 tbsp tamarind (imli) pulp
3 tbsp chana dal (split bengal gram)
6 tbsp toovar (arhar) dal
1/2 tsp mustard seeds ( rai / sarson)
a pinch of turmeric powder (haldi)
a pinch of asafoetida (hing)
salt to taste
2 tbsp oil

Method

Heat 1 tsp oil in a kadhai, add the red chillies, 1 tbsp of chana dal and coriander seeds and saute for 2 minutes.
Cool and blend in a mixer along with coconut into smooth paste. Keep aside.
Pressure cook the toovar dal and remaining 2 tbsp of chana dal till soft. Keep aside.
Heat enough water in a deep pan, add the bitter gourd slices along with salt, turmeric powder, 2 tbsp of tamarind juice and cook till the bitter gourd are cooked.
Drain the excess water and keep aside.
Boil remaining tamarind juice for a while, add the ground paste and mix well and cook.
Add the cooked bitter gourd bits and cooked dals and mix well. When the liquid starts boiling, remove from the flame and season with mustard, asafoetida and curry leaves.
Serve hot.