Bitter gourd may be a vegetable many people dislike, but cooked the right way it has a unique taste. Bitter gourd dal in particular is a healthy and tasty dish that combines the bitterness of the gourd with the smooth aroma of lentils.

Served with hot rice, it whets the appetite and is good for the body too. Nutritious bitter gourd dal can be made at home with a few very simple ingredients. Here is an easy recipe.

First wash the lentils well. Boil them in a pot with 2 cups of water, a little salt, turmeric powder and a few green chillies. When they are well cooked, mash them a little with a wooden masher.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan and lightly fry the bitter gourd with a little turmeric and salt, then set aside. In the same pan add a little more oil and fry chopped onion, chopped garlic and green chillies until brown. Then pour in the boiled lentils and the fried bitter gourd. Add a little hot water as needed for the gravy. Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes so that the bitter gourd is fully cooked, and take off the heat when the dal thickens.

Finally, heat a little oil or ghee in a pan, fry whole cumin or panch phoron with a little chopped onion and pour this tempering over the dal. Your tasty bitter gourd dal is ready.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.