Bitter Gourd Kootu

Adapted from: http://www.asvadha.com/2008/04/bitter-gourd-kootu.html

5 or 6 bitter gourds - diced into rings after removing pith
1/2 - 1 cup - cooked Toor dal,
1 1/2 tsp - Salt or to taste
1/2 tsp - Turmeric
1 tbsp tamarind paste
2 tsp - Oil

For Coconut-masala paste:
1/4 cup - Coconut , grated
1 tbsp - Coriander seeds
1 tbsp - Channa dal
1/2 tbsp - Urad dal (
1/2 tsp - Fenugreek/Menthia seeds
3-4 - Red chillies
pinch of asafoetida

For Tempering :
1 tsp - Mustard seeds
1 tsp - Urad dal
1/2 tsp - Fenugreek seeds
Few curry leaves
2 tbsp - Peanuts, roasted

o Cut Bitter Gourd into half circles

o Add salt and turmeric and soak in water for 20 mins; Then squeeze out water and set veggies aside.

o Fry ingredients for masala paste (minus coconut) in oil; Then grind to a smooth paste

o Fry tempering ingredients, then add peanuts then add Bitter Gourd and fry for 5 mins

o Add 1 1/2 cups water and Tamarind and cook for 10 mins

o Add cooked Dal and cook for 5 mins

o Add masala paste and cook for 5 mins

o Add 1 tbsp jaggery to sweeten the dish

o Serve hot with rice.