Also Known As: Pavakkai Sambar, Tamil Nadu Pavakkai Sambar. Karela Sambar. Bitter gourd Sambar. Kakarkaye Sambar.
Ingredients:

• Bitter Gourd 4-6 (sliced)
• Thoor Dal 1 cup
• Onion 1 large
• Tomato 1 large
• Salt
• Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
• Chili powder 1 tsp
• Sambar Powder(home made) 1-2 tsp
• Tamarind paste 1 tsp
• Ghee or oil few tsp
• Cilantro leaves to garnish.

For Tempering:

• Mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
• Asafoetida 1/4 tsp
• Curry leaves few
• Ghee/ Oil few tsp

Method:

1. In a pressure cooker, add lentils + salt + few spoons of oil. Pressure cook till tender. Maybe for 3-6 whistles. Now set this dal aside.
2. In a large crock pot, heat ghee. Add onions and fry till it is translucent.
3. Then add tomatoes and fry till they turn pulpy. Add salt, turmeric and chili powder to this. Fry for 2 minutes.
4. Now stir-in chopped bitter gourd and fry for 2 minutes.
5. Add cooked lentils now. Cover and cook till the veggies are done.
6. When the veggies are done, add tamarind paste, sambar powder and cilantro leaves. Bring this to boil once. Then transfer the contents to display ware.
7. In a separate pan, heat oil and fry the tempering items in it. Then run this seasoning over the sambar prepared.