Pavakkai Sambar | Bitter Gourd Sambar | Karela Sambar

Ingredients

• 200 gms Bitter Gourd, Karela, Pavakkai ((~ 2 x 6" pieces))
• 1/3 Cup Tuvar Dal ((~60 gms))
• 1 tbsp Tamarind Pulp
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
• Salt to Taste
• 1 tbsp Chana Dal
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 2 tbsp Coriander Seeds
• 3 tbsp Grated Coconut
• 2-3 Red Chillies
• 1 tsp Oil ((~Coconut Oil Preferred))
• 1 tsp Oil ((~Coconut Oil Preferred))
• 2 Red Chillies
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 6 to 8 Curry Leaves
• 1 Large Pinch Asafoetida

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Cooking the Dal ---

2. 2

   Wash the tuvar dal well and pressure cook in 3/4 cup water till it is cooked.

3. 3

   Mash the tuvar dal and set aside.

4. 4

   --- Preparing the Pavakkai | Bitter Gourd ---

5. 5

   Cut the bitter gourd vertically in half. OR Cut the bitter gourd into rings.

6. 6

   Discard the seeds.

7. 7

   If you want to reduce the bitterness, soak the cut gourd slices in some salted water for 15 minutes. I did not as I enjoy the bitter flavour.

8. 8

   Set aside.

9. 9

   --- Making the Spice Paste ---

10. 10

    Heat the oil and add the chana dal. Fry till light golden brown.

11. 11

    Now add split red chillies and pepper corns.

12. 12

    Stir-fry for a few seconds till the red chillies start to darken.

13. 13

    Add the coriander seeds and stir-fry for 1 minute.

14. 14

    Add the grated coconut and stir-fry for a few seconds.

15. 15

    Turn off the heat and transfer the spice mix cool.

16. 16

    Grind to a fine paste with some water and set aside.

17. 17

    --- Making the Sambar ---

18. 18

    In a heavy-bottomed vessel, heat 1 tsp oil.

19. 19

    Add the gourd pieces and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.

20. 20

    Add turmeric, tamarind paste, and 1/4 cup water.

21. 21

    Cook the bitter gourd pieces till they soften a bit.

22. 22

    Add the ground spice paste and mix well.

23. 23

    Add the mashed tuvar dal, salt and some water, if required. The consistency should be thick but flowing

24. 24

    Cook till the bitter gourd sambar starts to simmer. Turn off the heat.

25. 25

    In a heavy ladle, heat 1 tsp oil.

26. 26

    Add mustard seeds and wait till they crackle.

27. 27

    Add red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida; and stir-fry for a few seconds.

28. 28

    Add the tempering to the Pavakkai Pitlai and mix well.