Pavakkai Curry (Bitter gourd curry)

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I learnt this recipe from my grandma. It is a little time consuming recipe but the curry tastes awesome. People who do not like bitter gourd will also like this curry for sure.As per the original recipe by grandma, the bitter gourd has to be cooked in tamarind water in stove top for about 30 -40 minutes.I converted this to a partially microwave recipe to reduce the cooking time

Ingredients

Pavakkai(Bitter gourd)	6 medium sized
Tamarind paste	3/4 tsp
Turmeric powder	1/4 tsp
Salt	1 tsp
Hing	a pinch
Chilli powder	1/2 tsp
Coriander powder	1/2 tsp
Oil	2 tablespoon
Mustard seeds	1/2 tsp
Urad dhal	1/2 tsp
Curry leaves	a sprig

Procedure:
Step1:
Cut the bitter gourd into small pieces. Remove the middle part

Step2:
Add tamarind paste and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water and mix well


Step3:
Cook this is microwave oven with open bowl for 5 minutes

Step4:
Take this out and add turmeric powder and mix well and micro on high for another 5 minutes in open bowl

Step5:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a fry pan and add msutard seeds.Once it starts spluttering add urad dhal and curry leaves


Step6:
Add the cooked vegetable and cook for 5 minutes


Step7:
Now add the chilli powder, coriander powder, hing, salt and jaggery and mix well. Cook for another 15 - 20 min

Note:
The bittergourd can also be cooked on stove top. Extract about 1 cup of tamarind water and add to the vegetable.Simmer this for 30 - 40 until all the moisture is absorbed. Continue from step 5
1/2 tsp of grated jaggery can also be added