Tangy sweet bittergourd masala

Ingredients: 

Bitter gourds - 4

Onions sliced - 1 large

Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp

Curry leaves - a few

Dried red chilies - 1- 2 small

Chopped Ginger

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Cumin powder - 1/4 tsp

Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp

Lemon juice - 1 tsp

Brown sugar - 1/2 tsp

Vegetable oil - 2 tbs

Cilantro - 2 tbs

Method: 

1. Scrape the bitter gourds lightly, cut them lengthwise into two halves, scoop out the contents and cut into thin juliennes and keep aside.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a sauce pan, add the mustard seeds when they splutter add the dried whole red chillies, slit green chilies and curry leaves followed by the bitter gourd juliennes.

3. Add the dry masala - turmeric, cumin, coriander & garam masala powders. Mix well, sprinkle a little water, cover it with a lid and let it simmer on low flame for a few minutes, giving it a stir every one and then, till it is just tender. 

4. Add the sliced onions and chopped coriander.  Sprinkle some salt, lemon juice and lastly brown sugar, mix well, cover it with the lid and simmer for a few more minutes till the onions soften a bit.  Remove from the stove, garnish with chopped coriander and serve with chappatis or rice. 

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