Gourd of Health

              Bittergourd is usually consumed in the green or early yellowing stage. The young shoots and leaves of the gourd may also be eaten as greens.

             Bittergourd is also used as a folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. It contains lectin, which is said to lower blood glucose concentration.It's extensively used in traditional medicines  to treat many aliments including fever, burns and skin problems. As for culinary uses, every region has its own speciality made using bitter gourd.

             Bittergourd can be stir fried, cooked in coconut milk or steamed. Meals that Heal - Here is a receipe for you.

Bittergourd Masala:

Ingredients

Bittergourd: 1/2 kg

Tomatoes: 2 to 3

Onion: 1

Tamarind: 20 gm

Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp

Mustard : 1 tsp

Garam masala : 1tsp

Chilli Powder: 1 tsp

Ginger: an inch

Grated Coconut: 1/4 cup

Oil: 50ml

Salt: to taste

Sugar: to taste

Direction:

·          Cut Onion, Ginger & chop tomatoes and keep aside.Cut bittergourd into small, round pieces, apply salt on them and set aside for half-an-hour.Grind the coconut and soak tamarind in 50 ml water.

·         Heat oil in a pan and temper with mustard and red chillies.Then add onion and fry till transparent.

·         Add ginger, chiopped tomatoes and cook till they turn pulpy.

·         Drain water from the bittergourd and add masala, fry for a few minutes.Add turmeric powder, chilli powder & tamarind powder.

·         When the bittergourd changes colour, add sugar, salt and enough water to cover the pieces.Close with a lid, reduce flame and cook till the bittergourd turns soft.

·         When the gravy thickens, add the ground coconut, boil for one minute and remove from fire.Garnish with curry leaves and serve hot.