Bitter Gourd Fry with Almonds

Kakarakaya Badam Podi Vepudu.

Bitter gourd is sliced and boiled in water along with tamarind and yogurt to reduce the bitterness. It is then fried in oil along with onion. Finally fried bitter gourd is seasoned with almonds powder and spices. Serve bitter gourd fry with almonds over plain steamed rice and dollop of ghee.
Makes: around 2 Servings of Bitter Gourd Fry with Almonds.

Ingredients:

Bitter Gourd 2 Medium
Yogurt 1 Tbsp
Onion 1
Almonds 3 Tbsps
Tamarind 1 inch Piece
Cumin Seeds 1/2 tsp
Ginger Garlic Paste 1/4 tsp
Red Chili Powder 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste

Method of preparation:

Lightly scrape, wash and remove the ends of the bitter gourd.
Chop the bitter gourd into somewhat thin circles.
Peel and slice the onion.
Grind almonds into fine powder using a spice blender.

Bring to boil few cups of water, add bitter gourd slices, tamarind and yogurt.
Boil till bitter gourd turns soft but not mushy.

Heat oil in pan, add cumin seeds.
Once cumin seeds sizzle, add sliced onion and ginger garlic paste.
Fry till onion turns translucent and starts to brown.
Stir in boiled bitter gourd pieces.
Fry for couple of minutes to let bitter gourd slices brown around the ends.
Finally add the red chili powder, almond powder and salt.
Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
Serve bitter gourd fry with almonds over plain steamed rice and dollop of ghee.
Notes: Make sure bitter gourd is cooked well before adding to the pan.

Suggestions: If bitter gourd is not cooked properly, either boil in enough water till soft or cook covered in the pan along with onions till soft.
Variations: Try other bitter gourd recipes here.
Other Names: Bitter Gourd Fry with Almonds, Kakarakaya Badam Podi Vepudu.