PAVAKKAI PITLA / BITTERGOURD SAMBAR

Pavakkai Pitlai is one of Tamilnadu's authentic sambar. This can be prepared little watery or as a thick sambar based on your family's preference. 

INGREDIENTS : 

Bittergourd - 3 medium sizesToor dal - 1 cupSalt to tasteTurmeric powder - 1 tspMustard and Methi seeds - 1 tsp eachSambar powder - 1 tspTamarind juice - 1 cup
For Masala :

Toor dal , Urad dal , Channa dal - 1 tsp eachCoriander seeds - 1 tspCumin seeds - 1/2 tspRed Chillies - 10 nosCoconut pieces - 10 nos
Roast these in a spoon of oil and then grind it a bit coarsely.
METHOD OF PREPARATION : 



1) Pressure cook dal with a tsp of oil and sliced tomato for 5 whistles and keep aside. Allow the steam to leave.


2) Heat oil in a pan . Once hot , add mustard and methi seeds . When it splutters , add sliced onion and saute till tender. Then add chopped bittergourd , stir for a while. Then add the grinder masala, sambar powder and salt , mix well, cover with a lid . Cook in slow flame till the gourd is well cooked .

3) Meanwhile, add tamarind juice to the dal and man dal smooth. 

4) Finally, add dal to bittergourd and mix it well . Cook for 10 minutes and remove from the flame .

Serve hot with Rice.