I am coming from a tropical country where the temperature is 100F a major portion of the year. My mum used to make this a lot during summer time. She says it helps to purify the blood and decreases blood sugar. I did or do not have blood sugar – but still she used to feed this. As all kids in India I used to hate this too, but then she came up with her mom’s recipe. Not to say I liked it, I always asked her to make this during summer.
I don’t know where my grand mom got it. But this is very simple and can be done under 30 minutes.
People who does not what is bitter gourd – please educate yourself here.
My dad used to go to the bazaar and get fresh vegetables from a vendor. I go to the Indian store and get bitter gourd from there.
Recipe for Bitter Gourd with spicy Mustard
- Bitter Gourd – 2 pieces
- Potatoes – If its baby then 3, don’t need to peel. If its regular, one big is fine and peeling is needed. Chop it in small pieces
- Coriander Powder – 1.5 tsp(Freshly Ground)
- Mustard Powder – 1.5 tsp
- Green Chillies – Whole(5-6)
- Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp
- Whole Red Chillies – 3
- oil – 1
- whole cumin – 1 tsp
Cut the bitter gourd whatever shape you like. I do them half round.
I boil them with water for 10 minutes, because that helps to soften it a bit.
Ground Mustard and coriander seeds and make a fine powder of it.
When boiling is done, strain it.
Put oil in a pan. When oil is hot, throw the red chillies and cumin. When red chillies and cumin little bit burnt, put the boiled bitter gourd. Put the chopped potatoes. Add some turmeric. Close the lid.
Here is one important thing, if you are using baby potato as me – you don’t need to boil. If it’s regular, I should say boil it a bit.
When potatoes and bitter gourd is done. Add the spice powder with water.
Keep it in the flame for 5 minutes and cover it.
Check the salt and close the flame.
Enjoy with hot steamed rice at lunch/dinner
Bitter melon is one of those things you have to acquire taste for. Bitter taste is unknown for the Westerners, but it is important for a balanced diet. I will try to grow korela next year in the garden. With baby potatoes it sounds so yummy!
Yes Lakshmi. We use that to purify our blood. There is another thing we try with bitter gourd is posto. I will send you the recipe for that too.