Bittergourd Paruppusili

Since D and I like bitter gourd, I try to cook it up in a few different favorite ways to enjoy. Bitter gourd paruppusili is not very different from other paruppusilis, except the flavoring: tamarind paste, with some brown sugar and chilli powder. The hot-sour-sweet combination goes well with the bitterness.

Ingredients:
1 or 2 medium Foo Gwa or Bitter gourd, cleaned and diced

½ tsp tamarind paste
½ tsp hot chilli powder
1 Tbsp brown sugar
salt, as needed
water, as needed

oil, as needed

tempering: 2 Tbsp oil, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1tsp cumin seeds (optional)

garnish: curry leaves and cilantro (optional)

steamed and pan fried lentils as in the Kovakkai Paruppisili

Preparation

1. Heat the oil in a pan, add the diced bitter gourd, some water, tamarind, chili powder and brown sugar, salt, cover and simmer till the bitter gourd is cooked though but not mushy
2. Sit in the pan fried lentils, garnish with curry leaves, serve warm with rice and sambar