Bittergourd thokku one of my favourites and i replenish this every now and then , enjoy as a simple bittergourd rice with some pachadi . Iam the only one who loves this so i make it in small quantities .

methi dosa with mint chutney and sambar

recipe for thokku

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup finely sliced or chopped bitter-gourds, after removing the seeds.

1 lime size tamrind, soaked in warm water

Rock salt, powdered as required.

1 tsp chilli powder ( mild spice ) or Kashmiri chili powder.

A generous pinch of asafoetida powder, or the rock form, soaked in warm water or powdered.

1 tbsp powdered jaggery

Pinch of turmeric powder

TO ROAST AND GRIND TO POWDER.

with 1 tbsp sesame oil oil fry the following :

1 tsp chana dal

1 tsp udad dal

2 tsp coriander seeds

2 tsp sesame seeds

1/2 tsp asafoetida powder or crystals

6-8 red dry chillies of both spicy and mild varieties

heat a pan and roast the above till golden and aromatic, cool and powder in mixie . keep this powder aside , till needed .

For tempering

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

some curry leaves

METHOD :

1.wash , dry the bittergourds, slice thinly , removing seeds

2. In a pan roast ingredients mentioned above in roast and grind , keep ground powder aside .

3. In a pan add 2-3 tbsp sesame oil , and pan fry the bitter gourd slices with a pinch of salt .

4. Once the bitter gourds are stir fried , take a heavy bottomed pan , add sesame oil , splutter mustard seeds

add some curry leaves, add the stir-fried bitter gourds. keep tossing .

add 2 cups tamrind water, salt , turmeric powder .

A tsp of kashmiri chili powder may be added .

cover and cook till mixture thickens

stir at intervals, add the ground powder , about 3 -4 tbsp and mix well to prevent lumps .

continue to cover and cook till thokku is almost done .

add jaggery just before removing from flame .

The pavakkai thokku is done when oil is seen floating on sides and top .

This delicious fragrant thokku is very tasty when mixed with rice .

Store the prepared thokku in a clean dry air tight bottle .

This thokku comes handy to prepare a lunch box dish too.

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