Aagalkaayi Gojju/ Bittergourd Gravy

Bittergourd - 6
Onion -1
Red chillies - 4
Jeera - 1 teaspoon
Mustard - 1 teaspoon
Crushed Jaggery - 4 teaspoons
Tamarind - 1 teapoon
Oil - 3 tea spoons
Turmeric - 1 tea spoon
Salt as required
Red chilli powder as desired.

1. Chop the bittergourd into thin circle and sprinkle turmeric.
2. Close the lid and keep it overnight in the fridge.
3. This ensures that bitterness is reduced.
4. Start with the seasoning of mustard, jeera  red chillies and onions
5. Fry till the onions turn brown.
6. Add the bittergourd, sprinkle a little water and close the lid.
7. This prevents the vegetable being charred.
8. As the bittergourd gets softer, add 1/2 cup of water.
9. Mix tamarind paste and jaggery to get a thick gravy.
10. Heat it on low flame for 5 minutes.
11. Add red chilli powder if more spice is needed.
12. Heat for another 2 minutes while stirring.
13. Relish the bitter and sweet combo.