Bitter Gourd ( Pavakka ) Masala

Ingredients:

1 big bitter gourd/ pavakka/ kaipakka

1 tomato, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

3 green chillies, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

tamarind- size of a lemon

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 sprig curry leaves

salt

oil

Preparation:

1. Chop bitter gourd into small pieces and keep it aside.
2. Soak tamarind in 1/4 cup water, extract its juice and keep it aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan, add onion and saute for 2 minutes. Add green chillies, tomato, garlic and curry leaves and saute well.
4. Then add chopped bitter gourd, turmeric powder and salt and stir well for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add tamarind extract (add more water if needed), mix well and simmer until the bitter gourds are cooked well and gravy is thickened.
6. Remove from flame and serve as a side dish for rice.....