Pavakka theeyal /Karela theeyal

For Bitter gourd health benefits and side effects peep in here .


Ingredients
Bitter gourd (Pavakka or Kaipakka) cut into thin slices – 2 medium sized
Oil – 3 tbsp
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves – A sprig
Garlic-2
Shallots(preferably)-half cup(or red onion1)
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder – 2 tblspn
Chilly powder -2 tspn
Cumin-a pinch
Dry fry ground coconut – 2tblspn
Tamarind paste – 1 tbsp
Tomato-1(those who like the sourness of it)
Salt to taste
Water – As required

Preparation Method

• To reduce the bitterness of Pavakka, wash it well after sliced and dry it using a towel.
• Heat a pan and add 2 tbsp oil. Add the bitter gourd pieces, sprinkle half tspn salt and saute till it is crispy-brown and done. Blank it into a small bowl. (do this at a medium-low flame)

(In a non stick pan, dry roast the grated coconut till brown with shallots, cumin seeds, asafoetida as shown below to form dry roasted coconut.)

• In the rest of the oil in the pan splutter mustard seeds, curry leaves(remove the curry leaves once the oil is diffused with its flavor and aroma)
• Add garlic and saute for 1min.
• Add shallots(or onion)  and cook till they turn transparent.(medium flame)
• Add the dry spices,cumin and stir at high flame for 30 sec till the spices turn darker. (this process is to roast the spices)
• Reduce the flame. Add the already done crispy-brown bitter gourd pieces and tomato. 
• To this add the ground coconut paste, tamarind paste, little salt and add 1 1/2 cups of water and stir well to combine.
• Cook for around 7-8 minutes on medium flame till the gravy thickens.
• Serve hot with Rice.

BON APPETITE:)