Stuffed Bitter gourd

Ingredients:

Bitter gourd (Hagalakayi) small to medium size 5
Onion medium size 2
Gram flour (Kadle hittu) 2 tbsp
Coriander powder 2 tbsp
Fennel powder 1 1/2 tbsp
Mango powder 1 1/2 tbsp
Red chilli powder 1 tsp
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Asafoetida pinch
Salt
Oil
Thread


Method:


1. Wash the bitter gourd and scrape the outer skin. Make slit lengthwise on one side of bitter gourd and remove the seeds. Keep aside both the scraped skin and seeds which are used to make masala. Chop the onion and keep aside.


2. Take bitter gourd, scraped skin and seeds in a large bowl, add salt and lemon juice. Leave it for 1 hr.


3. After one hour squeeze out all the water and wash the bitter gourd in hot water 2 times. Squeeze out the water. Keep aside.


4. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and asfoetida. When the cumin seeds cracks add onions and fry till transparent.


6. Add Scraped bitter gourd and the seeds, fry for 2-3 minutes.

7. Add Gram flour, coriander powder, fennel powder, Chilli powder, turmeric powder and mango powder, mix well and fry them for 2-3 minutes. Switch off the stove. MASALA for stuffing is ready.

8. Now take the split bitter gourd and stuff them with MASALA. Tie each bitter gourd with thread.


9. Heat oil in a pan, Put the stuffed bittergourd and cover the lid. Cook for few minutes in low to medium heat.


10. Turn the bitter gourd and cook for 2-3 minutes. Again turn it and cook for few minutes till all the sides of bitter gourd cooked.


11. Add 1/4 cup of water and remaining masala over it. Cover the lid and cook for 5 minutes. Switch off the stove.

12. Yummy stuffed bitter gourd is ready to serve. It goes well with chapati and rice.