Monday, April 9, 2012

PAARIKKA (BITTER GOURD) MEZHUKKUVARATTI


Bitter gourd is not everyone's favorite but it has great health benefits. Bitter gourd fry tastes good with avial, morkoottaan and curd rice.
It forms a good, light and healthy combo with 'molagu vellam' for the new mother.

Ingredients
Paarikka (Bitter gourd) – 500 gms (deseeded and cut in thin semi circles)
Oil – 3 tbsp
Cumin seeds (optional) – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Salt – to taste
Sour yogurt – 1 tbsp / a small piece of tamarind

Method
Smear salt to the cut bitter gourd and leave for a couple of hours.
Wash well and strain off the water.
Again add the required salt to the bitter gourd and mix well and set aside for 20 minutes.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan and add cumin seeds. When they splutter, add the bitter gourd pieces, squeezing out the water.
Add turmeric powder and mix well.
Add the tamarind or sour yogurt and mix well.
Cook covered on low heat, stirring in between.
You may sprinkle a tbsp of water if required.
When the bitter gourd becomes tender, remove the lid. Add one more tbsp of oil and keep frying till light brown.

Tips
The smeared salt and the yogurt/ tamarind will minimize the bitterness.

© Copyright 2011. Brinda Balasubramonian.

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