Kakarakaya (Bittergourd) Bellam (Jaggery) Kura (Curry) is one my Moms specialty dish with one of the most bitter tasting Vegetable:Bitter Gourd. I came to know of that fact when I failed cooking it my kitchen .As a kid and teenager it was really hard for me and my brother to either taste it or watch others relishing it(Yes it is!! Thats how much fuss I was all about) .But later during my college days I accidentally tasted Bittergourd Pachadi(Achar) at my friends place mistaking it be smoothing else. I just got a little hint of its bitterness with mild sweetness from Jaggery. I immediately repented for not tasting such a not-so-bitter vegetable and informed my mother of my new found palatial-interest. The next time when I tasted my mom prepared Karela Curry ,I was still reminded of the first taste ,as my moms dish has a very slight sweetness. I was all praise for my Friends mom and which of my words have definitely created an impact on her, that the very next time she made it again to impress me. This time I had to accept that hers was better tasting. So that is all the story behind and still I guess she makes it far better tasting than I do even though hubby dear never compared our cooking on this one.
INGREDIENTS:
Bittergourd-----------------4 medium ones
Onion-----------------------1 chopped finely
Jaggery---------------------1/3 Cup grated
Red Chilli Powder--------1-1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder---------1-1/2 tsp
Curry leaves---------------few
Turmeric-------------------1/4tsp
Cumin,Mustard seeds----1/4 tsp each
Oil---------------------------3 tbsp
DIRECTIONS:
1.Chop off the ends and slice all the Bittergourds into a very thin circular discs. Using the seeds is optional. But I like the crunchy taste and used them without discarding.
2. Wash properly and Microwave in a safe bowl with 3 tbsp water in it for 18-20 mins stirring in between. In the end(around 13-15mins) they start turning color to a very pale yellow and at this point do not add any water even if it appears dry.
3.While the Bittergourd is in microwave heat oil in a pan and add Cumin,Mustard seeds, Turmeric, Curry leaves when hot.
5.Fry for 30 secs and add chopped Onions. Fry with little salt for 10-12 mins on med heat. Now add Red chill powder and fry for a minute.
6.When the onions are really soft add the microwaved Bittergourd discs ,some salt to taste and fry on med heat for 7-9 mins without the lid. Keep stirring in between.
7. Now when you feel that the bitter gourd is nicely fried add Jaggery, Coriander powder. Th jaggery starts melting and the entire mixture starts turning sticky.
8.Let it cook for 3-5mins more and turn off. Serve hot with Rice.
6 comments:
My mom makes her curry with bittergourd this way,delicious curry.
this curry is adorable..:)
Tasty Appetite
Delicious curry with bitter gourd...Jaggery should have helped to reduce the bitterness..
I like bitter very much so i dont add any sweetness. yours look crunchy and nice.
Very nice way of making bitter gourd.
This looks so delicious and yumm..
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