I know I say this often but it is true. I don't know where the time flies, taking along with it the days! It felt just yesterday that I welcomed the new year and I have another one fast approaching the corner. And its been ages since I recorded our daily activities.
The thing is we have been busy standing in long queues. Yes it was time for the boys admission to LKGs and the entire last week was spent standing in long lines since early morning to get the form. And this week spent standing to submit them. And yes, next week will be spent attending the interviews scheduled in 3 different schools. Hearing on the amount we might have to shell out as building funds had our heads spinning, but we have managed to keep it safe, in hope it won't happen to us. Good hopes!
I appreciate the play school teachers making the boys learn the alphabets as in a song, but I hardly can decipher which letter they say, I hope the school teachers know this.
When I look at the drafts I see many Lunch box combination lying around. I feel so bad for not posting on time. But then things have been really hectic and I haven't really prepared anything new in a while.
But this simple steamed baby bitter gourd was the most toughest dish I ever made. Yes, hubby dear was always raving about this that his colleague used to get for lunch. Back home he used to explain this but I never would get to imagine how to make this. Finally I decided I would just get it and make.
If you like Spice Powders, then this Kakarakaya Karam Podi is an excellent to make.
Finally I was able to get him nod with approval and I just couldn't believe it was so simple.
Today's Lunch Box had
Chow chow dal
Steamed Baby Bitter gourds
Curd Rice
Baby Bitter Gourds - 250 gms
Salt to taste
Turmeric a pinch
Water - just enough to cover it
Method to prepare:
Wash and trim the baby bitter gourds on both ends.
In a non stick pan, add water bring to boil. Then add the bitter gourd, salt and turmeric. Cover with a lid and cook till it is done.
Check in between to ensure it does not get burnt. Simmer after 10 mins and cook on low flame till all water evaporates.
Serve it just as it.
Notes:
- These are not the regular bitter gourds that grow to be long in shape. What you see in the picture are the fully grown ones.
- Pick baby bitter gourds of same size. This is important as these are just steamed.
- I am not sure if these are available everywhere but if you get them, nothing like it!
- These baby bitter gourds are not so bitter as the regular ones, so just salt and turmeric is more than enough. Maybe when you can relish the really bitter ones, these may not be so bitter or that is what I have understood from my folks reaction..:)
This tastes great with dal.
That's all for today, have a great weekend.
Sailaja Damodaran says
Looks very tempting....Nice click
pelicano says
I grew this type of bitter gourd a few years back- they are soooo cute! But otherwise, they are not available here to buy- you are lucky! I might try this using regular karela cut into chunks. I wish your children all the best as they begin their schooling.
musical says
Valli, this is such a delightfully simple recipe! I so wish i could get these lil' beauties here and enjoy this dish! Thanks for posting this.
Vidhya says
bitter gourds look really yummy.... good luck with the school admissions... We are sailing the same boat. My husband has submitted application forms in couple of schools in Delhi (we are moving to) India) How old are your twins??
anubhavati says
Hi Srivalli,
Simple and yet very wholesome and home made....YUM!
Shobha
Superchef says
im one of those rare souls who love bitter gourds! 😀
Jennifer says
What a nice idea, Srivalli. I have yet to eat unspiced bitter gourds.
Sarah Naveen says
wow!!! thats a great meal..looks so yummy.. i have never seen baby bitter gourds..great recipe..
Tina says
Healthy food...Baby bitter gourds looks cute...
A_and_N says
I have a quick question.
1. Are baby bitter gourds just new young bitter gourds?
2. Isn't this bitter?
I personally love bitter gourd and have never heard of something like this!
umsreflections says
My hubby loves bitter gourd and I make it quite often. I also make bitter gourd sambhar - its so delicious.
Chow chow dal too is a fav at home.
All the best to your boys !!! Dont worry, they'll do well !!!
jayasree says
I see serpentine queues for admission in the news papers. Good luck with the admission.
Never thought just steaming these baby BG itself will taste good. Its hard to get them in my place though.
Jayashree says
Good luck with admission, Valli....I went through this last year and know just how trying it can be.
Add some sambar powder or red chilli powder, a little oil and fry these bittergourds until they are lightly browned and crisp....and you'll have a delectable side dish.
Malar says
Sambar looks perfect...
Srivalli says
Thank you everybody for wishing the boys, we are getting ready..:))
Vidhya, I wish your lil ones all the best to get quickly!
Nandita, I have updated the post, hope it is clearly!..
homecooked says
Wow...the lunch box looks good and yummy! All the best for the kids school 🙂 Dont worry the teachers will be gentle with them!
Jhanani says
Baby bitter gourd looks tempting.
All the best for the boys. I am sure they will get through the interview easily.
Anupama says
I love bitter gourd actually but never had the guts to eat steamed ones... may be, I should have had it with sambar/dhal just like you have it for the lunch box 🙂
Lakshmi says
Love the lunch box series. I need to explore more 🙂
Kamini says
Hi Valli, it's been a long time since I've left a comment, though I do check your blog regularly. I just wanted to wish you good luck with the boys' school admission. I know how stressful that can be, even (or especially) at such a young age.
Srivalli says
Jhanani, Anupama, Malar, HC, thank you..
Lakshmi, hope you will enjoy!
Kamini, thank you so much. so glad that you left a comment, I knew you do check on the blog ..:)..I need all the wishes..thanks again!