Pavakkai Karamedu (Bitter gourd curry)

Some of the visitors wanted the recipe for simple bitter gourd curry. I prepare this curryatleast twice in a month.

Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (Karela or Pavakkai) – 1/2 kg
• Oil – 2 tbs
• Grated Coconut – 3 tbs
• Tamarind – lemon sized ball
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
• Chili powder – 1/2 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/2 tsp salt for marinating*.

Method

1. Cut the bitter gourd into half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and cut into thin slices.
2. Add 2 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp salt and leave to marinate for 1/2 hour. Squeeze the slices well to remove bitterness.
3. Soak tamarind in warm water and extract around 2 tablespoons of thick pulp.
4. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. When it crackles add the bitter gourd slices.
5. Add turmeric, salt and saute well. Saute on medium flame for 5 minutes. Add the tamarind pulp and cook for some time till the juice dries up.
6. Saute on a low flame till the slices are golden.Add chili powder and  grated coconut and saute for  2 more  minutes.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve as a side dish with rice or chapathi.

*Marinating is optional.

Bitter gourd can also be prepared as pavakkai pitlai, Kuzhambu etc.

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