Karathe Ambade Gashi

Ingredients:-

• Karathe – 1 big size
• Ambade – 3-4 nos medium size
• Green chilly – 1 slit
• Turmeric – 1/2 tsp
• Garlic Pods – 8-10
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for the Masala:-

• Coconut – 3/4 th cup grated
• Red chillies – 4-5 
• Coriander seeds – 1 tsp 
• Methi – 1/4 tsp

For Seasoning:-

• Mustard – 1tsp
• Methi – 1/4 tsp
• Oil – 1-2 tsp

Method:-
               Roast red chillies,coriander and methi each separately in 1/2 tsp oil for a while and grind along with turmeric and the coconut to a fine paste adding little water and keep aside.

Chop the bittergourd lengthwise 2″ inch long apply salt and keep for 10 minute s . Crush Ambade with  a mortar and pestle.

Now squeeze the bitter gourd  and ambade and  add  slit green chilly  to it . Cook them together with a cup of water till the bitter gourd turns soft.

      Add slightly crushed garlic,ground coconut masala and salt to the cooked bitter gourd.Now put the masala and allow the curry to boil well.Let the garlic cook.When the aroma of the curry comes out and the garlic is soft.Bring to boil and switch off the gas.

In a kadai add oil.when hot add methi and mustard,let it splutter.Now pour this on the prepared curry.

Curry is  now ready to serve.
Note:
1.This gravy can be had  for mixing with rice if little extra water is added while boiling,which is called Kalvani in konkani. Or can be had as a thick side dish too.
2.Few people add a small jaggery(optional) piece which gives a sweetness to the curry.In that case garlic is avoided and urad dal is roasted in oil and ground along with the coconut.
3.If hog plum is not available bimblis/bimbul/birmi karmbal,raw mango or tamarind any one of these can be replaced.