Ash Groud Pickle (Boodida Gummadikaya)

Ingredients:
Ash Gourd (Winter Melon) 7 x7 inch piece
Black Mustard Seeds Powder 1/2 cup
Red Chilli Powder 1/2 cup
Turmeric Powder a big pinch
Garlic 20 pods
Lemon Juice 4 tbsps
Salt 1/4 cup
Oil 1 cup
Method:
Pat dry, remove seeds and finely chop ash gourd.
Peel the garlic pods.
In a mixing bowl, mix chopped ash gourd, mustard seeds powder, red chile powder, turmeric powder, garlic pods, lemon juice and salt together with half of oil.
When everything is thoroughly mixed, taste and adjust the seasonings if required.
Remove the pickle into sterilized jar and pour in the remaining oil.
Use the pickle after few hours.
Ash gourd pickle stays for few weeks if well preserved.
Notes: Make sure ash gourd is not too tender