Two Bittergourd dishes

Bittergourd Fry with Besan (Chickpea flour)

Bittergourd is one of my favourite vegetable. This is a simple and easy bittergourd fry . The addition of besan reduces the bitterness of the bittergourds. I learnt this recipe from my mom.


Ingredients:

2 medium sized bittergourds
1/3 cup besan powder (chickpea flour)
3/4 tsp chili powder
Pinch of turmeric
Salt to taste
Water as needed


Method:

• Cut the bittergourd into 2 pieces length wise, deseed and slice them thinly.
• Make a thick paste by combining besan, chilli powder, turmeric and salt.
• Heat some oil in a pan and stir fry the sliced bittergourds untill they are slightly browned.
• Now add the basan paste and stir untill it is cooked or for about 6-8 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve.
  

Spicy Bittergourd Curry

This is another bittergourd recipe made very often in my house. This is a spicy bittergourd curry which is not so bitter. It is slightly sweet and tangy and serves as a great side dish with rice.

Ingredients:

2 medium sized bittergourd(2 cups)
2 green chillies finely chopped
1 tsp chili powder
Pinch of turmeric
1/2 tsp of tamarind paste
1 tbsp sugar or more if needed
1 sprig curry leaves
1 dried red chilli
1/4 tsp Mustard seeds
Salt to taste
3/4 cup of water(more if needed)

Method:

• Cut the bitergurd into 2 pieces lengthwise, deseed them and slice them thinly.
• Heat some oil in a pan, add dried red chillies and mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds splutter add curry leaves. Now add the bittergourd and green chillies and fry untill they are slightly browned.
• Now add turmeric and chilli powder and fry for a minute.
• Now add water, tamarind paste, salt and allow the mixture to boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Serve with rice.(Note: Adjust the chilli powder and sugar according to your taste.)

I am sending these to VOW-Bittergourd hosted by Pooja of My Creative Idea's.