Bitter Gourd Curry, heals your skin

Bitter gourds are good source of vitamins, minerals especially vitamin A, B1, B2, C and iron and has dietary fiber. It is low in calories and has lot of medicinal properties . It is said to be very useful in case of diabetic and also helps in treating blood disorders. Ayurveda always looks at the base cause of any disorders, so any skin problems is because of impurity in the bloodstream. It helps to improve the immune system and increases body's resistance against infection. So do not ignore this vegetable because of its bitter taste. Now to the simple recipe - Bitter gourd curry. It tastes great with chapatti, roti and goes well as a side dish for rice.

Ingredients:

Bitter gourd (pavakkai) - 250 grams

Onion - 1 cup chopped

Tomatoes – 1 cup chopped

Tamarind extract - 3 tbs or Tamarind sauce 1 cup

Himalayan Salt as required

Spices:

Turmeric powder –a pinch

Chilli powder – ½ tsp

Coriander powder -1 tsp

Mustard seeds - 1tbs

For the seasoning

Ghee – 2 ½ tbsp

Red chillies - 1

Asafoetida - a pinch

Curry leaves - 3

Preparation

Cut bitter gourd into round shapes. Remove the seeds. You can use the seeds if they are tender.

Take tamarind extract and keep it aside.

Method

Heat oil in pan, add mustard seeds, asafoetida, red chillies and curry leaves. When mustard splutters, add chopped onion and sauté until they turn transparent. Add the rest of spices.

Add the bitter gourd and 6 cups of water, salt to taste and black pepper as desired. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes then add tomatoes and curry leaves. Allow to cook for 45 minutes on low. Serve hot and fresh with basmati rice or Roti.