Pavakka Pachadi/ Bittergourd Pachadi

Isn't it great that Indian food is so balanced in taste as well as nutrition!
Pavakkai pachadi is one of the dishes representing the balance.
This dish has bitter gourd, tamarind,& jaggery as its main ingredients.The jaggery reduces the bitterness of the bitter gourd and the tamarind counteracts the heat from the jaggery. All the flavors melding together makes for a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
5-6 Nos Shallots (sliced thin)
5 Nos Green chillies (sliced)
1 Sprig Curry leaves
11/2 Tbsp jaggery(powdered)
2 Nos bitter gourd (chopped)
1 Tsp Tamarind paste
1/2 Tsp Turmeric powder
2 Pinches Asafoetida
1 Tsp mustard seeds
1 Tsp urad dal
3 Tbsp oil
Salt to taste.
Method:
Heat oil in a kadai, add mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves.
When the mustard seeds pop add, the shallots, green chillies and saute.
When the shallots are tender add the bitter gourd and saute.
Now add salt, turmeric powder,asafoetida,tamarind paste and water as required.
Let the mixture cook till the bitter gourd is tender and add the powdered jaggery.(you can increase the amount of jaggery if you prefer it to be sweeter)
Let it cook for 3- 4 minutes and turn off the heat.
Serve with steamed rice.