Very Small Bitter Melon Pitlai

I read in a Siddha Medicine Book, that these very small bitter gourd's are good than the big one's. In Pazhamudhir Cholai, i spotted these small bitter gourd packet's. after buying it, I could'nt think beyond the pitlai recipe, as it was so tender.

The Pitlai Recipe is of my Grand Mother's. I love the freshly grounded spice in the tuvar dal along with the bittery taste. If you are bored of trying sambhar's, you can give this a shot once a while.

About Bitter Melon's:

It's Very much Good for the Diabetic's, as it lower's the sugar level in the blood.
It's not good, when you consume if you have Kidney Stone Problem.
It's not Good to consume while you are Pregnant or Nursing your Baby.

Ingredients:

Small Bitter Melon's-20
Tuvar dal-1/4 cup [Boiled and Mashed]
Tamarind-of a small lemon size

Roast the Below and Grind them into a Coarse Paste

Oil-1 tsp
Urad dal-1 tsp
Chana dal-1 tsp
Pepper-1 tsp
Dry Red chilli-3
Cumin-1 tsp
Corriander Seed's-1tsp
Coconut grated-5 tsp's


For Tadka:

Oil-2tsp
Asafoetida powder-a pinch
Mustard-1/4 tsp
Split Urad Dal-1/4 tsp
Curry leaves-6
Coriander Leaves-2tsp [to Garnish]

Method:

First cut the Bitter Melon's into thin round slices and boil them in adequate water. after it is cooked, Add the Grinded paste to it and mix well. Now add the Tuvar Dal and a pinch of turmeric powder and mix well. add tamarind water and let it boil. add salt to taste. Now do Talippu/Tadka and pour over it before switching off the flame.

It tasted the same as the big one's. we liked the small thin slices in the dal. give a try when u find some of these..

Remember to send me your entry for RCI-Lucknow.