Kartya Saglein-"Bitter gourd and Onion Curry"

Bitter gourd is called 'Karaten' in konkani. As the name says it all , make a curry with bitter gourd and you get to hear all  those extra ordinary ooooohs and yukkkkks from the people who eat .The scenario was no different during my childhood .I still remember how i used to pick and keep aside the bitter gourd pieces from my plate.
 Now imagine  making a curry with bitter gourd and your kid eating it happily or your husband asking for a second helping.Sure it is possible with this curry.I learnt to make this curry from my aunt 'S'.Special thanks to her for this wonderful dish .Here's the recipe.

Ingredients:-

Bitter gourd cut into 2" long and slightly thick pieces- 200 gm*
Onion sliced-100 gm
Tomatoes chopped-100gm
Chilli powder-3/4 tsp( you may have to add more if the bitter gourd is too bitter)
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Coriander powder-1/2 tsp
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Jeera-1/4 tsp
Curry leaves- 1 sprig
Rice flour-1 1/2 tbsp
Sugar-a small pinch
Salt
Oil-for deep frying

*I have used the light green variety of bitter gourd available mostly in kerala
Method:

 Marinate the bitter gourd pieces with salt and keep aside.Please remember that bitter gourd needs more salt when compared to other vegetables.While cutting the bitter gourd  please make sure that they are cut into slightly thick pieces.After 15 minutes you can see that water has started coming out of the vegetable.Squeeze out all the water and put the pieces in another bowl.

In an open pan boil some water.When the water begins to boil add these bitter gourd pieces

Strain after a minute.

Sprinkle rice flour and  some salt( remember that you have already added some salt) on the bitter gourd pieces and mix well so that the powder coats evenly on all the pieces.

In a pan heat some oil and fry these pieces till they become golden yellow in colour.

In another pan add 1 tsp of oil and  add mustard seeds.When they crackle add jeera.Add curry leaves when you begin getting the aroma of jeera.

 Add sliced onion and fry till it  changes in colour.

Now add chilli powder, turmeric powder,coriander powder and stir well. Now add the tomatoes and sugar .Add  as much as salt required only for the gravy.Sprinkle a few drops of water, close the pan with a lid and cook till the tomatoes are almost done.

Add the fried pieces of bitter gourd and stir well . Serve hot.This dish goes well with rice and chapatti.