Uchche Bhaja (Bitter Gourd Fry)

Name: Uchche Bhaja (Bitter Gourd Fry)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2-3 medium size bitter gourd, chopped finely; 1 tsp. panch phoron (equal quantity of fennel, cumin, mustard, fenugreek and nigella (kalonji) seeds); 1-2 whole dry red chilies, broken into two; 3 tbsp. mustard oil; 1 tsp. garlic, chopped (opt); To taste salt; 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder; 1 tbsp. kasundi (mustard paste) / ghee; 1 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped (opt)

Bethica Das @kitchen_flavours

Sharjah (UAE)

#traditional - This bitter preparation is a delicacy on a Bengali platter and is quite popular among the Bengalis. It is had at the beginning of any meal as it is considered to cleanse the system. It is just fried on it's own or along with potatoes depending on individual choice and availability. Add kasundi to the end product if a more pungent flavour is desired. Serve with ghee and hot steamed rice.

Bethica Das @kitchen_flavours

Saved

Ingredients

2-3medium size bitter gourd, chopped finely
1 tsp.panch phoron (equal quantity of fennel, cumin, mustard, fenugreek and nigella (kalonji) seeds)
1-2whole dry red chilies, broken into two
3 tbsp.mustard oil
1 tsp.garlic, chopped (opt)
To tastesalt
1/2 tsp.turmeric powder
1 tbsp.kasundi (mustard paste) / ghee
1 tbsp.coriander leaves, chopped (opt)

Saved

Steps

1

Heat oil in a pan and temper with whole dry red chilies & panch phoron. After it stops spluttering, add chopped garlic & saute for a few seconds.
2

Now add the chopped bitter gourd, salt and turmeric powder.
3

Cover and cook on a low flame till it is tender. Keep stirring at intervals.
4

When done, add the kasundi and stir well to combine.
5

Switch off the flame. Add coriander leaves and give it a toss.
6

Serve with hot steamed rice and ghee.