It is so delicious and very easy to prepare. One of the easiest way to eat avocado by adding in sandwich. Avocados have diverse fats. About 75% of an avocado's energy comes from fat, most of which (67% of total) is monounsaturated fat as oleic acid.

Preparation Time : 10 mins. Serves : 3

Ingredients:
1 Avocado (Butter fruit)
1/2 onion
1 Green chilly
1/2 tomato
2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 teaspoon pepper powder
8 Bread slices

Method:
1. Finely chop the onion, green chilly and tomato
2. In a bowl mash the avocado and all the ingredients mentioned
3. Toast the bread with or without butter
4. Apply the avocado mixture evenly on the bread. Cover this with the another slice of bread and serve.

Easy way to peel an avocado:
1. Place the avocado on a cutting board. Using a knife, cut through the center lengthwise until the knife comes in contact with the pit. Without removing the knife, make a continuous slice around the pit
2. Twist the avocado and separate it into two halves so that the one half will have the pit
3. Take out the pit using a knife
4. Hold one half of the avocado in your hand. Insert a spoon between the skin and the pulp (the edible portion of the avocado). Gently remove the pulp by using a spoon. Repeat with other half.

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The health benefits of Bitter gourd is known, particularly its ability to lower blood glucose in diabetics which is scientifically proven. It has been used to treat diabetes in traditional medicine. It helps weight loss.There is also evidence that bitter gourd might be effective in cancer treatment.

Exclusive consumption of bitter gourd is dangerous to health. Pregnant or breastfeeding woman should not consume bitter gourd or bitter gourd products. Please check with your health care person on the same.

I added Ghee in this recipe as it slightly reduces the bitter taste. Use a Non-stick pan if preferred.


Preparation Time : 5 mins. Cook Time : 25 mins. Serves : 2

Ingredients :
1 tablespoon oil
4 Bitter gourds
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1 onion (Medium size)
1 teaspoon Ghee

Preparation :
1. Cut the bitter gourd into small square like pieces. Remove the seeds if it is hard to bite.Chop the onion.

Method :
1. Heat the pan, Add oil and then the bitter gourd. Close it with a lid and stir it often in a medium flame for 20 mins.
2. Add the onion, chilly powder,coriander powder and salt. Stir it continuously for 5 mins so that it doesn’t burn the bottom.Add in the Ghee and stir for 2 mins.

It goes well with plain rice or chappathi.

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Ivy gourd (Kovakkai/Dhondakkai) is so good for our health. There are capsules which contain Ivy gourd extract available in US. Why to go for the capsule if we are very well getting the fresh ones. It helps in regulating the blood sugar level and therefore recommended for diabetic patients. Somehow I was avoiding it in my kitchen as I didn't get a good recipe out of it. One day I came across this wonderful recipe in a TV program. Thank you Chef Dhamodaran!!!

Preparation Time : 10 mins. Cook Time : 15 mins. Serves : 2

Ingredients :
1/4 kg of Ivy Gourd apprx
1/2 onion
1 stand curry leaves (optional)
1/2 the lemon size of tamarind
1 teaspoon of red chilly powder
1 teaspoon of coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon of cumin powder
Salt to taste

For Seasoning :
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

Preparation :
1. Soak the tamarind in water for 5 mins and extract the juice. If you are using a ready to mix tamarind concentrate, then 1/2 teaspoon of the same can be used.
2. Wash the Ivy gourd well. Cut it into half and then cut both the halves into 2; So, each one should be cut into 4 vertical slices.
3. Chop the onion

Method :
1. Heat the Non-stick pan, Add oil and the fennel seeds. Saute it, then add the onion and curry leaves. Saute it well until the onion turns translucent.
2. Add the Ivy gourd, Salt, Chilly powder, coriander powder and Cumin powder. Stir it well and close with the lid. Cook for 10 mins and stir it in between.
3. Add the tamarind juice and cook for 5 mins. If is not yet cooked, Cook for some more time.

It is a good companion for Sambar,Rasam and curd rice.

Note :
1. I have used a Non-stick pan for this recipe. So, if you have one better use that.
2. When buying Ivy gourd, buy the ones which are young and tender. The tough ones take more time to get cooked.

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