Karathe God Nonche (Bitter gourd Sweet and Spicy Pickle)

Karathe god ani theek nonche / Karathe nonche is a Konkani style sweet, spicy and tangy Bitter gourd pickle made with bitter gourd and goes well as a side dish with rice, dosa, idli etc. Bitter gourd is called karathe and god nonche means sweet pickle in Konkani. Karathe God Nonche recipe is explained with step by step method and photos.

The following ingredients are needed to prepare Karathe God Nonche / Karathe Nonche /Bitter gourd Sweet and Spicy Pickle.

Ingredients:-

Bitter gourd.       - 1
Grated Jaggery.   - 2tbsp
Tamarind.            - a gooseberry size
Turmeric powder.- 1/4 tsp
Salt.                     - to taste

For grinding Spice Mixture:-

Dry Red chillies. - 7 or 8
Coriander seeds. - 2tsp
Mustard seeds.    - 1tsp
Methi seeds.        - 1/4 tsp (fenugreek seeds)
Hing powder.       - 1/2tsp (asafoetida)
Coconut oil.         - 1/2tsp for roasting

For Seasoning:-

Coconut oil.    -1tsp
Mustard seeds.-1tsp
Curry leaves.   -1spring

Instructions:-

1). Wash and cut the Bitter gourd (Karathe) into 2 halves lengthwise and remove the seeds. Then chop the Bitter gourd into 3/4 inch lengthy pieces. Apply 2tsp Salt to the Bitter gourd pieces and keep aside for 10 minutes to rest. Then squeeze the Bitter gourd pieces and keep aside.

2). Soak Tamarind in little warm water and extract Tamarind pulp and keep aside.

3). Heat 1tsp Coconut oil in a pan and roast Red chillies, Coriander seeds, Mustard seeds and Methi seeds (Fenugreek seeds) on low flame and switch off the flame. Add Hing powder (Asafoetida) and mix with all the roasted ingredients and keep aside to cool.

4). Grind all the roasted ingredients along with Tamarind pulp to a smooth paste adding very little water. Keep aside the ground Spice Mixture.

Method:-

1). In a cooking kadai add the chopped Bitter gourd (Karathe) pieces, grated Jaggery, Turmeric powder, little Salt and 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook till the Bitter gourd pieces become soft.

2). Add ground Spice Mixture into the kadai and mix with the cooked Bitter gourd pieces. Boil and cook till the Bitter gourd pickle becomes thick. Switch off the flame.

3). Heat 1tsp Coconut oil in a small pan for seasoning and splutter Mustard seeds and saute well. Add Curry leaves and fry in oil for a second and switch off the flame.

4). Pour the above seasoning to the Bitter gourd pickle in the cooking kadai and mix well.

5). Remove the Kadai from heat and allow the Bitter gourd Sweet and Spicy Pickle to cool.

When cooled to room temperature transfer the Bitter gourd Sweet and Spicy Pickle to a porcelain bowl.Close the pickle with a lid and store in the refrigerator and lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. Always use clean and dry spoon to take out the pickle from the bowl for better shelf life.

A tasty Karathe God Nonche / Bitter gourd Sweet and Spicy Pickle is ready to serve.

Try  the recipe and enjoy the tasty Bitter gourd Pickle.