Pavakkai Fry | Pavakkai Poriyal With Coconut – Bitter Gourd Stir Fry Recipe

• Bitter gourd – 2 nos
• Moong dal – 2 tbsp
• Tamarind – a big gooseberry size
• Jaggery – 2 tsp
• Sambar powder – 1.5-2 tsp
• Turmeric powder- 1/8 tsp
• Salt & water – as needed
• Cooking oil – 1 tbsp

To season

• Cooking oil – 1 tbsp
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Urad dal – 1 tsp
• Curry leaves – few
• Asafetida/Hing – a big pinch
• Big onion – 1 no ( optional)
• Grated coconut – 1/4 cup

• Wash and chop the bitter gourd into small cubes as shown in the picture.soak tamarind in enough water and take the extract using 3/4 cup of water.

• Heat oil in a pressure cooker and saute the bittergourd pieces till its color changes to dark green. Add some salt for quick sauting. Add the tamarind extract, moong dal, sambar powder, turmeric powder, salt and jaggery to the cooker. Mix well and cook for 2 whistles in medium flame.

• Remove the lid after the steam is released and boil the excess water if any.
• Heat oil in a kadai and when it gets heated, splutter the mustard seeds, urad dal, big onions and curry leaves. Once the onions are sauteed, add the cooked bitter gourd mixture. Mix well. Check for taste and add salt, sambar powder if needed. 
• Once it becomes dry, add the grated coconut and mix well.

Serve with sambar or rasam ! Tastes yum !
Enjoy !