Ingredients

• Bitter gourd - 1/2 kg
• turmeric powder - 1.5 tsp coriander seeds - 1 tbsp
• cumin seeds - 1 tbsp
• sesame seeds - 2 tsp
• chilli powder - 1 tsp
• onion - 1 cup, finely sliced
• ginger garlic paste - 2 tsp
• curry leaves - a few tamarind - size of a big lime
• coriander leaves to garnish
• oil to deep fry
• salt to taste

How to Make Stuffed Bitter Gourds in Gravy

• Scrape the bitter gourd and slit along one side. Remove the seeds and discard.
• Apply 1 tsp turmeric, one tsp salt inside the gourd and dry in sunlight for 4-6 hours (or leave indoors overnight).
• Soak tamarind in 1/3 cup of water and extract the pulp.
• Soak the bitter gourd in water for 30 mins.
• Squeeze well to remove all water.
• Add fresh water and a tsp of tamarind pulp and simmer till they are cooked.
• Strain, cool and squeeze again.
• Dry roast coriander, cumin and sesame seeds.
• Grind them to a powder, mix with chilli powder and remaining turmeric powder.
• Keep aside 1/3 of the above powder.
• Mix the remaining powder with 1 tbsp of tamarind pulp.
• Stuff bitter gourds with this mixture and tie with a string.
• Heat oil for deep frying.
• Fry the gourds on moderate heat till golden brown and crisp. Drain from oil.
• Heat 3 tbsp of the oil in which the gourds were fried.
• Add curry leaves and onion. Fry till onion is brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and fry well.
• Add the reserved masala powder and remaining tamarind pulp.
• Add about 1 cup of water and salt to taste.
• Simmer for 5-8 mins till the gravy is thick.
• Pour on fried gourds and serve with steamed rice.