Stuffed Bitter Gourd:(Version 3)

Stuffed Karela. Stuffed Kaakarkkai. Stuffed Paawarkkai/Paavakkai/Paagarkkai.

Ingredients:

Bitter gourd medium size 8
Red onions 6 finely chopped
Tomato 4 finely chopped
Garlic 1 large peeled and chopped
Ginger 3-4 inches skinned and chopped
Jaggery/brown sugar 1 gooseberry size
Garam masala powder 1/2 spoon
Salt
Turmeric powder
Chili powder
Mustard seeds
Cumin seeds
Curry leaves fried in oil for garnishing before serving
Sesame oil 1 cup.

Method:

1. Trim the ends of the gourd. Make an incision at one end vertically. Remove the pith and seeds, using back of your spoon/spreader.

2. Steam cook the gourd for 10 minutes. Add little salt to this water. When the vegetable is semi cooked, set aside.

3. In a pan heat oil.... add mustard and cumin seeds. Let them pop and sprutter. Then add ginger and garlic. Fry them for a while. Later add onions and fry till they are translucent. Add tomatoes too, cover and cook over medium heat.


4. Now add salt, turmeric, chili, jaggery and garam masala to it. When the masala is well blend, turn it off.

5. Stuff this masala in the bitter gourd. One can stich the gourd using needle and thread now.

6. Heat oil in a pan. Add this stuffed vegetable and remaining masala too. Fry them well without cover. Let the vegetable turn to golden brown color and slightly crispy.

Garnish with fried curry leaves. Serve this side dish with Pulkah roti or curd rice.