Bitter gourd gravy:
Ingredients: for masala :2 tbsp peanut, 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tsp chana dal, 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, ¼ tsp methi / fenugreek, 4 dried red chilli
other ingredients: 1 bitter gourd, 1 ½ tbsp oil, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp chana dal, ½ tsp cumin, pinch asafoetida, 1 dried red chilli, ½ onion, finely chopped, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup tamarind extract, 1 tbsp jaggery, 2 tbsp coriander leaves.
Firstly, slice bitter gourd to thick slices and remove seeds. add 1 tsp salt and mix well and keep it aside. After resting bitter gourd in salt for 30 minutes, squeeze off the juice. this helps to reduce the bitterness. Now in a pan take 2 tbsp peanut, 2 tbsp sesame, 1 tsp chana dal, 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, ¼ tsp methi and 4 dried red chilli. Roast on low flame until it turns aromatic. Cool completely and blend to a fine powder. keep aside. In a large pan heat oil and fry bitter gourd slices. And add 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp chana dal, ½ tsp cumin, pinch asafoetida and 1 dried red chilli. Now add ½ onion, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and saute well. Add in fried bitter gourd, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt and saute well. Now add in prepared masala powder and saute slightly. Add 1 cup tamarind extract, 1 tbsp jaggery and mix well adjusting consistency as required. Cover and boil for 5 minutes or until oil separates. Add 2 tbsp coriander.