A Very Good Day to All My Dear Friends! How are you all doing today?
In Sri Lanka, ribbed bitter gourd—commonly known as “Watakolu”—is a vegetable that is often overlooked in daily cooking. However, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition and carries a delicate, earthy flavor that can truly shine when prepared with care. Today, I’m delighted to share with you a simple, wholesome, and nutritious recipe for Ribbed Bitter Gourd Curry. With the right blend of spices and a gentle touch of coconut milk, this humble vegetable transforms into a soft, flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with a warm plate of rice.
So, let’s take a look at how to prepare this dish, step by step!
Materials Used.
Ribbed Gourd 300g.
3 Tablespoon of coconut oil.
2 onions, cut into rounds.
Two cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
curry leaves.
3 finely chopped green chilies.
Salt to taste.
1 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili powder.
1 Teaspoon of mustard seed.
1 Teaspoon of Cumin.
1/4 Teaspoon of Turmeric powder.
The cooking process as follows.
Let’s begin by lightly grinding soaked mustard seeds and cumin using a mortar and pestle, as shown below.
Next, take the ribbed gourd, peel off the outer skin, and slice it into round pieces. Wash and clean them thoroughly.
Next, take a pan and add the sliced ribbed gourd pieces. Then, add a bit of turmeric powder and about one tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix well and place it on the stove to cook for a while.
Next, in the same pan, add about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and let it heat until slightly sizzling. Then, add some chopped garlic. After that, add sliced onions, curry leaves, green chilies, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Sauté the mixture for a while until everything is well combined and aromatic.
Next, add the partially cooked ribbed gourd pieces to the pan and mix well. Then, add the prepared mustard and cumin paste, and combine thoroughly. Add salt to taste. After cooking for about 3 more minutes, remove the dish from the heat.
This curry is a beautiful example of how a simple, locally grown vegetable can be transformed into a flavorful and wholesome meal. It’s easy to prepare, light on the stomach, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a weekday lunch or a cozy family dinner, this dish is a gentle reminder that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with ribbed gourd all over again! Until next time, wishing you a wonderful day.
