PAVAKKA ACHAR (BITTERGOURD PICKLE)

Bitter Gourd Pickle

I used to hate bittergourd..my hubby being a bittergourd lover, i was forced to make several times as he loved it..but now i m glad i forced myself to make it coz now i too am in love with bittergourds now :).... this is one way i found that i could make myself eat more of it without the sour taste and i promise you its even tastier than what u think :)..

Ingredients:
Bittergourd : 3 medium cut into small pieces
Lime - 1 medium
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt
Garlic - 12 cloves sliced
Ginger - one 1/2" sliced
Mustard seeds - 1.5 tsp
Fenugreek seeds - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - 3-4 twigs
Chilli Powder - 1.5 tbsp
Asofetida powder - 1 tbsp
Vinegar - 2 cap
Water- 4 tbsp
Sugar - 2 tsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Oil - 1/2 cup
Preparation:

Marinate bittergourd pices with lime, turmeric powder and salt overnight or atleast of 4-5 hours in fridge. once done, squeeze the bittergourds so that all the water comes out and keep aside.

Mix water, salt and sugar in a bowl and keep aside.

Heat a pan, add oil. Once oil is hot fry the garlic and ginger togther and remove. then in same oil fry the squeezed bittergourds in batches and remove. Dont make it too black in color.

In another pan, add bit oil and add in the mustard and fenugreek seeds. Once it starts spluteering add in the curry leaves and saute for 2-3 sec. Add in the chilli and asofetida powder and saute for 3-4 sec. Add in the water solution and let it boil. then add in the fried ginger, garlic and bittergourd pieces and mix well. Allow it to cook for about 2 mins. Add little more water if u need to mix properly the masalas. Pour in vinegar. measure the 2 caps of the vinegar bottle and pour. switch of flame and its ready to use :).. Serve with hot steaming rice and payar :)

Cheers,
Neetz ;)