Weekend Breakfast Blogging Update
Blogger postcards of the world update
I’m so happy that Alison of Someone’s in the Kitchen, AR, USA, finally received my postcard. This has reinstated part of my faith in the postal system. And I received a surprise post-card from Meeta, one of my dear blog-buddies. But she is not my BPW partner, so I am still awaiting my postcard from whoever-is-my-partner.
Apples from Weimar
Aurvedic Bitter-gourd Mango curry
Also, I recently read this article on how curry can prevent cancer published in the LA times. Turmeric and onions have long been known for their anti-inflammatory properties. So here’s to curry power!
Bitter-Gourd with Ripe Mango- an Ayurvedic curry
Weekend Breakfast Blogging Update
Ingredients
- 2 bitter-gourds large (Washed thoroughly, sliced)
- 2 tomatoes medium sized
- 1 onion large - sliced
- 1 mango large ripe - roughly chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic finely chopped -
- 1/2 tsp ginger - finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp curry powder garam masala /
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- Place the sliced onions and bitter gourds with 1/4 cup of water, a pinch of salt and turmeric powder in a microwave safe bowl with a lid (with small vent for steam). Nuke for 5-6 minutes at HIGH. Check if it is tender at the end of 6 minutes. If not, microwave for some more time until bitter gourd slices are soft.
- Heat the oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot enough, pop the cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add the ginger and garlic, saute for 30 seconds.
- Add the microwave cooked bitter gourds-onions to the pan. Put in the chopped tomatoes, chopped ripe mango, curry powder, salt, red chilli powder. Saute them together well and cover the pan. Let this simmer for 5-7 minutes for all the flavours to come together.
- Check for salt and take the curry off the flame. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the top and serve hot with Phulkas or a simple khichdi.
Notes
Ayurvedic flavours.
Sweet is mainly carbohydrates, dairy products. Here, it is from the chapatis and ripe-mango.
Sour is from tomatoes and lemon juice.
Salty is from salt.
Pungent is from the onions, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder and curry powder.
Bitter is from Bitter Gourd.
Except for the 'Astringent' flavour which is imparted by tart fruits, beans and legumes, this curry contains all the basic flavours in it.
Taste-wise.
The amalgamation of 5 different flavours to form one is something that one must experience to understand. After all the birthday partying the previous day, this curry with Phulkas as a simple dinner felt totally divine.
Note:
- This bitter-gourd recipe is perfect for diabetics and low-carb dieters.
- If you don't have a microwave, then you may pressure cook the gourd and onions for one whistle.
- I sometimes soak the sliced bitter-gourds in sour buttermilk overnight to remove the extra bitterness. But since, this was a conscious effort to make a healthy curry, I haven't taken that extra effort.
This is a great recipe. Thanks for sharing
Haha, that was fast. Thanks Krithika and please spread the word about change in hosting of WBB for this time.CheersN
That’s a great recipe, Nandita. Thanks for bringing in this ‘Ayurveda’ aspect. I am sure gonna look for ‘Ayurvedically-healthy’ recipes on the net now. :)Btw, I have written about your Banana Nut Muffins in my latest post. Please check it out, when you have the time.
Nandita, the link you have provided for Cook’s hideout is a dead link. Just thought of letting you know.
Hi Nandita -Hope you have a safe trip. Thank you for the bitter-gourd curry recipe – the colors look amazing and I bet having mango as an ingredient cuts a little bit into the bitter flavour of the gourd ! Looking forward to more of your posts when you get back 🙂
Glad you liked the postcard! This recipe really sounds to good. And I read a similar article while I was in the US about the healing powers od Turmeric. Think I will try something similar. Thanks for sharing!
These days I have started liking bittergourds. I will definitely try your version. Thanks..it looks delicious :).
What an awesome and informative post! Not sure I’ve ever tasted a bitter gourd though… I feel so left in the dark.
Garret- I think it’s called BITTER MELON in other countries and from the posts I see in other Indian food bloggers living in the UK, US and EU countries, I guess you do find it in most Indian stores!
Krithika, Thanks a ton for pointing out that wrong link, sorry i forgot to thank you any earlier 🙂
Interesting story as for me. It would be great to read more about this matter.BTW look at the design I’ve made myself Young escorts