Saturday 17 March 2012

Karathe God Thalasini (Bitter sweet bittergourd)



Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.
Bitter gourd also has some nutrients that are suggested as insulin replacement in some diabetic patients.
So try to include bittergourd in your diet as often as you can.
This is another classic recipe from my Mom and Aunt, this one is sure to tickle your taste buds with its bitter sweet taste.
Serves 3

Ingredients :
Bittergourd - 2 medium sized
Oil - 1 tsp
Garlic - 6 cloves crushed once along with skin
Red chillies - 6 ( coarsely crushed into pieces in a blender) 
Jaggery - 1 lemon sized lump or Sugar - 1 tbsp
( Use Jaggery for authentic taste)
Raw Mango - 1 piece or Tamarind pulp - 2 tbsp 

Salt to taste
Water - 1 cup
Method :
Wash and remove the outer skin of the bittergourd with a peeler.
This removes a lilttle bit of bitterness.
Cut into small cubes.
Mix with turmeric and salt and put in bowl of water for 30 mins.
Now drain the bittergourd pieces and keep aside.
This process removes some more bitterness leaving it just right for the palate.
Take a heavy botom pan, add oil, crushed garlic and red chillies and fry well till garlic is golden.
Now add the bittergourd pieces, a lil water and boil till bittergourd cooks.
Now add raw mango pieces or tamarind pulp and allow to boil around 5 mins.
Then and jaggery or sugar and mix well.
Use Jaggery for more authentic taste.
Bring to boil till bittergourd is soft and mushy.
Serve as side dish with rotis or rice and dal/rasam.

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