KARELA FRY

Ingredients:

Karelas (bitter gourds) .... 4

Onions .............................. 3-4 small

Tomato ............................. 1

Green chillies .................... 2

Garlic paste ..................... 1 tsp.

Curd .................................. 1/2 cup

Turmeric powder ........... 1/4 tsp

Coriander powder .......... 1 tsp.

Cumin powder ................ 1 tsp.

Sambar powder .............. 1 tbsp.

Peanut powder .............. 1tbsp. (dry roast and grind coarsely)

Amchoor powder ............. 1 tsp. (or 1 tbsp. tamarind juice)

Jaggery ............................ 1 tsp.

Mustard seeds ................ 1 tsp.

Curry leaves .................. 1 sprig.

Salt ................................. to taste

Red chilli powder .......... 1 tsp.

Asafoetida ....................... a pinch.

Coriander leaves ......... for garnishing

Oil.

Method:

1. Peel and slice the karelas. Marinate them with quarter cup curd and salt for few hours.(preferably overnight)

2. In a pan heat 2 tbsps. oil. Add a pinch of asafoetida and mustard seeds. Then add the garlic paste and the curry leaves. Saute and add the sliced onion, green chillies and fry for a few minutes.

3. Now add the tomato and the karela slices. Simmer for 5 minutes and add all the dry masalas and simmer it stirring from time to time till the colour is brown.

4. When almost done add the remaining 1/4 cup curd and cook for few more minutes on low fire.

5. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rotis or as a side dish with plain boiled rice and sambar.