Ingredients:

• 2 – pavakai/Bitter gourd/Karela (small)
• 1 tsp – chilli powder
• 1 tsp – cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp – Turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp – curd/yogurt
• For tempering:
• 2-4 tbsp – oil (as per your choice)
• Mustard Seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Asafoetida, a pinch
• Curry leaves, a few
• Optional:
• 1/2 tsp – coarse Urad Dal powder
• 1/2 tsp – coarse Channa dal powder

Method:

1. Wash and cut bitter gourd into thin slices with or without seeds.
2. This dish can be prepared in two different ways.
3. In the first method, marinate all the ingredients for 20-30 minutes. Then, add 1 tbsp oil in a pan, season it with mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
4. Add the coarsely ground urad dal powder and channa dal powder, and fry it for a few seconds. Immediately add the marinated bitter gourd and, as you fry, add oil.
5. It needs to be fried well until it becomes a little crispy.
6. In the other method, heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, temper mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
7. Add the coarsely ground urad dal powder and channa dal powder, fry for a few seconds, immediately add the sliced bitter gourd and saute for 1 minute.
8. Then, add the spices one by one and finally add curd/yogurt.
9. Curd also helps the spices to blend well with the bitter gourd.
10. Add oil as you fry. Fry for around 15-20 minutes to get a crisp side dish.
11. Adding curd/yogurt removes some bitterness and gives a great taste.
12. Recipe courtesy: Food for 7 Stages of Life