Kartya sassam (Bitter gourd salad) is a type of raita prepared from bitter gourd that is prepared in Konkani homes and served along with rice. The preparation of the dish is similar to the preparation of Bendiya sassam (Lady’s finger raita)
Ingredients
You need
- ¼ th piece of a medium sized bitter gourd (I have used the white variety)
- ½ cup thick curd (Not too much sour)
- Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
For seasoning
- Oil for seasoning
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- 2 Green chillies cut into slices (or as per your spiciness level)
- 1 or 2 red chilli cut into two (or as per your spiciness level)
- 1 sprig curry leaves
Method
Preparing the bitter gourd
Wash cut the bitter gourd into 1 mm thick circular slices. Seeds need not be removed. Some seeds will fall off while cutting no harm. Smear the slices with little salt and fry them in oil.
Preparing the curd
Add little water to curd and blend it in a mixer to break the lumps. Transfer it to the container in which you will be preparing the sassam.
Preparing the Kartya sassam (Bitter gourd salad)
Heat oil in a kadai and add mustard seeds when they splutter add cumin seeds followed by addition of sliced green chiliies. Sauté the green chillies till the raw flavour of the chillies go off. Now add the red chillies and sauté till the raw flavour goes off. Then add the curry leaves and roast them. Pour the seasoning over the curd. Add salt and mix well. Remember while adding the salt that you have already smeared salt to bitter gourd also.
Now add the fried bitter gourd slices to the curd.
Mix well and serve.
Your Kartya sassam (Bitter gourd salad) is ready to be served.
