Bitter Gourd Sambar (Pagakkai Pitlai)

Recipe By:
Fran_1970
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  • Yield 6 Servings
  • Level Medium

A south Indian curry made of bittergourd goes well with rice.
 

Ingredients

  • 1/4 kg bitter gourd
  • 1/2 cup tuvar dal
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 lemon size ball of tamarind
  • A pinch of jaggery (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Seasoning:
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 red chilli, broken
  • 2 sprigs curry leaves
  • Fry in 1 teaspoon oil and powder
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 3/4 tablespoon chana dal
  • 1/2 teaspoon urad dal
  • 1 small piece asafoetida
  • 4 red chillies
  • 3 tablespoon grated coconut
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Directions

  1. 1. Cook dal with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, set aside. Wash, cut bitter gourd into 1" pieces, set aside.
  2. 2. Fry masala ingredients in oil, in the order given, removing each after frying. Fry coconut last till brownish in colour.
  3. 3. Powder all together slightly rough, set aside.
  4. 4. Heat oil, add seasonings and when done add bitter gourd pieces along with turmeric powder and fry till soft, stirring all the while.
  5. 5. Extract juice of tamarind, add to gourd along with salt, allow to simmer for a while; add jaggery.
  6. 6. When gourd is sufficiently cooked, add dal, simmer 1-2 min.
  7. 7. Lastly add powdered masala with some water if necessary; cook 1 -2 min. More.
  8. 8. Serve hot with rice and papads.