Bhurva Karela (Masala Pagarkkai)

Ingredients:

Bharva Karela

Bittergourd          -  250 gms
Onion                  -  2 nos
Tomatoes            -  2 nos
Garlic                  -  4 - 6 pearls
Ginger                 -  1 inch
Green chilies        -  2 - 3 nos
Coriander powder-  1 tea spoon
Jeera powder       -  1 tea spoon
Red chili powder  -  1 tea spoon
Gur (Jaggery)       -  1 tea spoon
Fresh cream         -  2 table spoons
Cooking oil          -  4 table spoon
Mustard seeds     -  1 tea spoon
Jeera                   -  1 tea spoon
Salt to taste

1.  Grind together 1 onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies and salt.
2.  Slit the bittergourds.  Should not cut it fully.  Remove the seeds if they are hard.  If not leave them.
3.  Gently spread the ground masala inside the slit karela and keep it aside for 15 mins.
4.  Now heat 2 table spoons of oil in a pan aht gently place the karelas in them and cook in low flame.
5.  Keep turning them occasionally and let the karela cook till they are half done.
6.  If you want you can place the karelas in a tray and cook in microwave.  It takes 15 mins.
7.  Remove from heat and allow the karela to cool.
8.  Cut the karela into 1 inch long pieces.
9.  Grate 1 onion, finely chop the tomatoes.
10.Heat the balance oil, add the mustard seeds and jeera.  After they crackle add the grated onions.
11.As soon the onions turn transparent, add the tomatoes and stir cook till they become soft and shapeless.
12.Now use a potato masher and add the mixture thoroughly.  Add coriander powder, red chili powder, jeera powder and jaggery.
13.Bring to boil and add the fresh cream.  If necessary add a little water and allow it to boil for a few mins.
14.Add the cut bittergourd pieces and gently stir and cook for 2 - 3 mins.  Remove from stove.
15.Serve hot with rice or roti.