Haagalakayi Palya / ChineseBitter Melon in Tamarind Sauce

Haagalakayi is one of the favorite vegetable of my husband and his family. Chinese Bitter Melon is longer, plump and have less ridges on its surface compared to Indian Bitter Gourd. It is less bitter than the Indian variety.

What you need :
Chinese bitter melon : 1 (washed, de-seeded and chopped into thin slices)
Tamarind juice : 2 -3 tbsp (adjust according to your taste)
Jaggery : 1 small gooseberry size
Palyada Pudi : 1/2 tbsp (scroll down for the recipe)
Turmeric : 1 big pinch
Salt
Oil : 1/2 tbsp
mustard, curry leaves

Method :
Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Add mustard and let it crackle. Time to add curry leaves and turmeric, mix and add bittermelon pieces. Mix it properly and cover the lid. Lower the flame and let the bitter gourd pieces get cooked on a low flame.
After 2-3 mins, open the lid, mix the contents and add half a cup of water, cover the lid and continue to cook till bitter melon pieces become soft. It takes about 10 mins time (more or less than that).
The water must have almost condensed. Add tamarind juice, salt and jaggery and palyada pudi. Mix and bring it to boil. Adjust the flavors and serve with your favorite main course.

Palyada Pudi :
Kadalebele : 1 cup
Uddinabele : 1/2 cup
RedChillies : 15 (add less if you want a less spice version)
Pepper : 10 (add less if you want a less spice version)
Cinnamon stick : 1" piece
Cloves : 5
Curry leaves : 20 leaves (please note it is 20 leaves not 20 lines of leaves)

Roast all of them separately on a hot tava. Powder them and store it in a airtight container.

Some sweet treats with this post :

Ujju of Cuisine Point has given me a personally designed and created award to me. She has honored me with "Most Generous Blogger" award. I am soo very honored Ujju. Thanks a ton.

Ramya of Ramya's Kitchen Corner has awarded me 360 degree foodie  award, Great Buddy award and Kreativ Blogger award. Thank you soo much girl for showering so many awards. You can find the pictures of all awards here 

Good Job award from Andhra Flavors Thank you dear AF for the award. 

I would like to pass on 360 degree foodie  award, Great Buddy award and Kreativ Blogger award, Good Job award to :

Ramya Vijaykumar of Spicerack 

Priya of Priya's Easy and Tasty Recipes

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Roopa Sharon of The Key Bunch

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SMN of Cook Spot

Ramya of Ramya Cooks
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Congratulations all ladies, keep blogging ..............   :) :)