Bitter Gourd and Field Beans Curry - South Indian Style

Step 1: Prepare Masala Paste

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, and 3 dry chillies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until light golden brown (approximately 3-4 minutes). Add 1/2 cup chopped coconut and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the coconut is light golden.

Step 2: Grind Masala Paste

Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a grinder jar. Add some water and grind to a fine paste. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook Bitter Gourd

Heat 3-4 tbsp oil in a large pan. Add the bitter gourd pieces (5-6 small, with seeds removed and cut). Fry the bitter gourd for 5-7 minutes until it changes color and is slightly tender.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Spices

Add 1-2 slit green chillies and 1-2 chopped tomatoes to the pan. Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and salt as required. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

Step 5: Combine with Masala and Beans

Add the prepared masala paste to the pan. Rinse the grinder jar with 1 cup of water and add it to the curry. Mix everything well. Add the cooked field beans (1 cup, soaked overnight and pressure cooked for 5 whistles) to the curry. Extract pulp from a lemon-sized tamarind soaked in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes and add the tamarind extract to the curry. Mix well.

Step 6: Simmer the Curry

Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the curry to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Prepare Tempering

In a separate small pan, heat 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and 1/2 tsp black gram. Once the mustard seeds splutter, add 1 chopped onion and a few curry leaves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn golden brown.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Pour the tempering over the bitter gourd and field beans curry. Mix gently. Serve hot with rice or roti.

• To reduce bitterness, soak bitter gourd in salt water for 30 minutes before frying.

• Adjust green chillies and dry chillies according to your spice preference.

• Ensure field beans are cooked until soft for best texture.

• Add other vegetables like drumsticks or potatoes.

• Use different types of beans or lentils.

• Adjust the amount of tamarind for desired tanginess.