Sweet Sour Bitter Gourd With Mustard

Bitter gourd is one of those extremely healthy vegetables which is  rich all valuable nutrients  like iron, beta Carotene, calcium and potassium but many of us specially kids are  reluctant to eat vegetables due to its unique bitter taste. so if we manage to remove the bitterness by adding spices and sweetness then teaming it with other vegetables like onions, potatoes, brinjal and tomatoes, it turns into a delectable side dish .The recipe shared here is one of those traditional bengali dish which is a combination of sweet, tangy, spicy and a light touch of bitterness. Mustard paste  lends a unique achaari taste to the dish.

Ingredients:

Bitter Gourd Fine 4 medium sized
Onion Finely chopped 1Large
potato Fine cut  1medium
mustard paste 2Tablespoon
paanch phoron (five spices) 1Teaspoon
Red chili whole 2 nos
Turmeric Powder 1Teaspoon
Red Chili Powder 1/2 Teaspoon
Tamarind Paste or juice 1teaspoon
Mustard oil 1 Tablespoo
Salt as per taste
Sugar 1Teaspoon

Method:

1. Wash the bitter gourds well and cut  the vegetable into fine pieces and set aside.

2.Wash potato  and cut into small cubes.

3. Heat mustard oil in a non-stick kadhai. When oil is smoking hot, add paanch phoron and Red chili. when it starts spluttering add chopped onion saute for a minute then add potato slices and chopped bitter gourd. Mix well and set the heat to medium-low. Cook covered for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4.  Add Turmeric powder, Chili powder and salt. saute for a couple of minutes. Cover the pan with a lid and cook it in low flame for 5 to 6 minutes more, till it become tender.

5. Now add Mustard paste, Tamarind paste and sugar and give a good stir and cover it for about 5 minutes till the spices gets cooked nicely spreading the aroma of mustard.Turn off the heat.
Let it cool a bit and serve with warm cooked plain rice.