Bitter Gourd Fry

Bitter gourd is also called Balsam pear or bitter melon. Young immature bitter gourds are the best for cooking. Bitter gourd contains vitamin A, B1, B2, and C. It also contains minerals like calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper and potassium. From the ayurvedic perspective, bitter gourd is excellent for balancing Kapha. It helps purify blood tissue, enhances digestion, and stimulates the liver. Source: ayurbalance.com n juicing for health
It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana. 
I make this bitter gourd fry at-least once in a month or for 2 months. The shell life is also more for this fry.. U can store it for up to 7-8 days in fridge. Vishnu is not that fond of bitter gourd, so i make it for myself n store it..

So coming to the recipe..
Ingredients:
Bitter Gourd: 3 medium, thinly sliced
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Cashews: 1tbsp
Jaggery Powder: 1 tbsp + 2 tsp
Oil: 1tbsp
Ginger garlic paste: 1 tsp
Channa dal: 1 tsp
Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
Turmeric: 1 tsp
Red chili Powder: 1 tsp
Salt: To taste
Dry Powder: 1 tbsp


Preparation:
1) In a microwaveable bowl, add 1/2 cup water, 1tsp salt n thinly sliced bitter gourd. Microwave it for 5 mins on high. Stir it n microwave it again for 7 mins on 40% heat. Add 1tbsp of jaggery n microwave it for 1 min. Drain it n keep aside.
2) In a pan heat oil. Add channa dal n cumin seeds. Fry for 30 secs.
3) Add onion n fry for 5 mins or until tender.
4) Add ginger garlic paste n turmeric. Fry for 1 min.
5) Stir in bitter gourd slices. Cover n cook for 5 mins on medium heat.
6) Sprinkle salt, chili powder n jaggery. Cook for 1 min.
7) Add dry powder n switch off.

                        Bitter gourd fry with Peas Pulao...


These is going to be a part of  For the Health Nut Challenge 4 : Bitter Better Health of  Health Nut