Karela Vathakozhambu | Dried Bittergourd Curry

A spicy tangy curry with all the Indian flavours and the goodness of Karela | Bittergourd. This is one of our favourites which tastes simply out of this world when had on a cold winter day or when its a rainy day! Bursts of flavours that must be experienced!

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup Karela Vattal | Pavaka Vattal | Bittergourd Vattal (approx 20 nos.)
1/2 cup Toor Dal
Small lemon size Imli | Tamarind extract
1/2 tsp Kali Miri | Black Pepper Powder
1/4 tsp Lal Mirch | Red Chilli Powder
1 tsp Whole Wheat Flour | Rice Flour
A small pea sized Compounded Hing | Asofoetida
1/4 tsp + 1/4 tsp Haldi | Turmeric Powder
1 tblsp Fresh Coconut, grated
1/4 tsp Rai | Mustard Seeds
1/4 tsp Jeera | Cumin Seeds
1/4 tsp Urad Dal
1 sprig Kadhi Patta | Curry Leaves
1 tblsp Oil | Ghee | Clarified butter
To taste, Salt

METHOD

• In a small pan fry the Pavaka Vattals till crisp and keep aside. 
• Pressure cook the Toor dal adding 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, for 5 whistles. Once done, slightly mash the cooked dal with the back of a spoon.
• Mix the whole wheat flour in the mashed dal and keep aside.
• In a vessel, add the imli extract. Add fried Karela Vattals, black pepper powder, hing, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt to this. Keep this to boil for 5 minutes or till the Imli is cooked.
•  Add the mashed dal and wheat flour paste to this. Add water and adjust the consistency. It should be like Sambhar consistency.
• Let this come to a boil and then switch off the gas.
• In a small pan, heat the oil and add the rai, jeera and urad dal. As they begin to splutter, add the curry leaves and the grated coconut and fry till the coconut changes color to a nice aromatic golden brown.
• Pour this tempering on top of the Karela Vathakozhumbu.
• Serve this hot along with Steamed Rice and Cabbage Carrot Peas Thoran.

Please do share with us your experience after trying Karela Vathakozhambu!

Please Note: 
Karela Vattals will be easily available in any South Indian Grocery store! If you wish to make it at home, please do check Homemade Karela Vattal Recipe!

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About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.