Bitter Gourd Curry / ಹಾಗಲಕಾಯಿ ಪಲ್ಯ

Bitter Gourd (known as ಹಾಗಲಕಾಯಿ in Kannada) tastes pretty bitter as the name says. When i see small sized Bitter Gourd in the market, I love buying them because they are grown organically and tastes awesome. We prepare different recipes using this vegetable like ಪಲ್ಯ / dry curry, ಕಾಯಿರಸ / Sweet Sambar, Fry, Raita etc. Here is the version of the recipe which helps us to feel the original taste of the vegetables since we use very less masala. Please try it out and share your comments.

Ingredients
Bitter Gourd - 1/2kg
Onions - 4 to 5
Grated coconut - 2 spoons
Lemon - 1/2 (medium sized)
Salt to taste

For tempering
Oil - 3 spoons
Channa dal - 1 spoon
Mustard seeds - 1 spoon
Turmeric powder - 1/8 spoon
Green Chillies - 4 to 5
Curry leaves - 6 to 7

Method
Wash & cut the Bitter Gourd into 4 pieces vertically. Remove the seeds and soft portion. Now cut into small pieces. Chop the onion, curry leaves and green chillies into small pieces.

Heat the thick bottomed Kadai, add the oil. When the oil gets heated up add Channa dal, mustard seeds, turmeric. As mustard starts spattering, add chopped green chillies & curry leaves and fry it for a minute.

Now add the chopped onions and fry until it turns golden brown. Add the chopped Bitter Gourd, salt and 1/4 cup of water and cook it for about 15 minutes / till Bitter Gourd becomes soft. Switch off the stove. Add grated coconut & lemon juice and mix well.

We can eat this curry with rice. Though it tastes little bitter, whoever enjoys the Bitter Gourd will love it.

Recipe Courtesy : My sister - Savithri Bhat.