Cashew Stuffed Bitter Gourd

Ingredients:

Bitter Gourd 6 Small Sized
Cashews 7
Onion 1 Large
Garlic 2 Cloves
Red Chili Powder 1/2 tsp
Salt to Taste
Oil 1 Tbsp

Talimpu: 

Mustard Seeds 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1/4 tsp
Urad Dal 1/4 tsp
Broken Dried Red Chiles 3 – 4
Asafoetida a Big Pinch
Curry Leaves 5
Oil 2 tsps

Method of preparation:

Peel and grate the garlic cloves.
Break the cashews into small pieces.
Lightly scrape, remove ends and slit the bitter gourd keeping its ends intact.
Boil the bitter gourd in enough water along with a tbsp of yogurt, turmeric powder and salt.
Boil till bitter gourd is cooked and turns just soft.
Strain the bitter gourd and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan, add chopped onion.
Fry on medium low flame till onion is brown in color.
Add the garlic paste in the middle of the pan and fry for few seconds till it cooks.
Then stir in red chili powder and salt.
Cool the mixture to room temperature and grind into smooth paste along with cashews and few tablespoons of water.
Remove the cashew paste onto a bowl.
Stuff each bitter gourd with a big spoon of ground cashew paste and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan, add all talimpu ingredients in order.
When mustard seeds start spluttering, slowly arrange the stuffed bitter gourd in the pan.
Fry on low flame till the bitter gourd turn brown on all sides.
Remove the cooked bitter gourd from heat and serve cashew stuffed bitter gourd with steamed rice.

Notes: Make sure bitter gourds are not overboiled.

Suggestions: Adjust the spice with red chili powder.