Paavakkai Poriyal - Bittergourd fry with Jaggery

Unfortunately the most hated vegetable, the Bittergourd has benefits so wonderful.  Bitter gourd is great to fight skin diseases and boosts immunity. This is just a line I have mentioned here, on a serious note, I've decided to consume this vegetable more frequently to make use of it's elixir. Having said that, this a recipe you can actually relish as it is coated with sweet jaggery. 



Ingredients:

  • Bitter gourd - 2 medium sized (round slices)
  • Onion - 1 medium sized (finely chopped)
  • Tomato - 1 medium sized (finely chopped)
  • Garlic cloves - 4 nos (crushed)
  • Curry leaves - 4 nos
  • Vegetable Oil - 3 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
  • Chilli powder - 1 tsp
  • Coriander powder - 1 tsp
  • Jaggery - 4 tbsp
  • Salt - 3/4 tsp
  • Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Water - 1/2 cup

Method:

  1. Heat 1 1/2 tbsp of oil in a pan and fry the bitter gourd slices for about 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
  2. Take the pan and heat 1 1/2 tbsp of oil, add mustard seeds. Let it splutter.
  3. Toss in the onions, garlic and curry leaves. Let it cook till light brown.
  4. Add in the finely chopped tomatoes and mix well. Fry till the tomatoes are cooked.
  5. Now put the bitter gourd slices and saute for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. 
  6. Sprinkle the chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
  7. Now pour the water. Allow it to cook for 10 - 15 minutes. 
  8. Once the bitter gourd is cooked and water has evaporated, add the jaggery.
  9. Keep stirring till all the slices are kissed with the sweetness of that gooey jaggery.
  10. Serve with curd rice, rasam or thakkali sambar. You are on your way to taste bitter sweet haven!