Bitter gourd with lentils

Bitter gourd has a good medical benefits and hence I prefer this dish for a healthy diet. Also Lentils (Dal) is good source of protein. Bitter gourd has proven medical benefits for diabetic patients and I would suggest all to eat this dish atleast in a week to remain healthy.

Ingredients:
Bitter gourd(karela) - 100 gm
Tur dal - 100 gm
Tomatoes - 2 big size
Green chillies - 8 to 9 (acc. to taste)
Oil - 3 tbsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam masala powder - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
pinch of Asafoetida (hing)
Lemon juice - 3 tbsp
Sugar or Jaggery - 2 tbsp (optional)
Salt to taste

Method:
Soak the tur dal for 1 hour, after that microwave for 5 to 6 mins on high so it becomes soft but not like smooth dal and keep aside. Peel and cut the bitter gourd into long slices and remove the seeds. Soak into salted water for 1/2 hour for reducing the bitterness.

Drain the excess water from the bitter gourd and place over the tissue paper. Split the chillies, cut the tomatoes into medium size pieces and keep aside. Heat the oil into a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and hing. Now add small green chillies and fry for 1 min, after that add dry bitter gourd slices in it, cook into medium flame for 5 mins and add turmeric powder. When bitter gourd slices become crispy then add red chilli powder and salt in it. After that add cook tur dal in it and mix it, cook into low flame for 3 mins. Now add chopped tomatoes and garam masala in it. Cook on medium flame until tomatoes mix with curry very well. Now add sugar or jaggery alongwith lemon juice, mix it well and then turn off the flame and garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with hot chapati and banana or serve with dal and rice.

Enjoy your meal !!!