Daal Karela

Bitter gourd cooked with bengal gram and spices

INGREDIENTS-

• Bitter gourd-300 gms(4 medium size)
• Chana daal( bengal gram)-100 gms
• Tomato-2 medium
• Red chilli powder-1 tsp
• Turmeric-1/2 tsp
• Sugar-1 tsp
• Lemon juice-1 tbls
• Salt-1tsp
• Refined oil-2 tbls

PROCEDURE-

1. Wash and soak the chana daal in enough water for 20 minutes.
2. Pressure cook  for 2 whistles with a glass of water and 1/4 t.s turmeric (take care that the daal will cook but not become soft and mushy)
3. Lightly scrap the bitter gourd ,slice in roundels and soak in salted water for 20 minutes.
4. Drain and wash twice with enough water and then squeeze the water.
5. Spread and press on a towel to absorb the extra water .
6. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the slices in batches to a golden colour on medium flame.
7. Heat 2 tbls oil in a pan and add chopped tomatoes and salt .cover and cook till become soft.
8. Now mash the tomatoes and add turmeric and chilli powder.
9. Fry for a minute and add 3/4 cup water .
10. When it start boiling add the boiled daal ,sugar and fried bitter gourd slices.
11. Cover and cook on low flame till done
12. Add lemon juice and mix.
13. Serve hot

Serving suggestions-serve with roti, rice or as a side dish