Pavakka Masala Curry/Bitter Gourd Curry

Most of them hate bitter gourd because of its bitter taste.But this is a simple and easy must try curry for bitter gourd lovers as well as haters.

This vegetable has lot of health benefits..It is  rich in vitamin c, folic acid  and it helps in producing healthy red blood cells and also a good medicine for diabetic patients.it tastes great with rice.

Ingredients

1. Bitter Gourd/Pavakka/Kaipakka (cut into circles) – 1/2 cup
2. Onion(cut lengthwise) – 1
3. Ginger(chopped)- 1 tsp
4. Garlic(chopped) – 1 tsp
5. Green Chilly –2
6. Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
7. Red Chilly powder – 1 tbsp
8. Coriander powder – 1 1/2 tsp
9. Grated Coconut – 1/4 cup
10. Shallots – 4
11. Curry leaves – 1 sprig
12. Tamarind (soak in water) – 1/4 cup
13. Mustard seeds – 1/4 tsp
14. Dry red chilly – 2
15. Curry leaves
16. Salt
17. Coconut oil

Preparation

1. Make a paste of coconut,shallots and curry leaves.
2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker.Saute chopped ginger,garlic,onion and once it is done,add bitter gourd pieces to it.Saute for 3 minutes.Add turmeric powder,red chilly powder and coriander powder.Once the raw smell goes, add salt and mix well.
3. Add little water to it.Cover and cook on medium flame for 1 whistle.
4. Once the pressure goes, open the lid and add tamarind water to it .Boil for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the coconut paste to it and stir well.check for salt.Boil for 2 minutes.Remove from fire.
6. Heat  oil in a kadai.Splutter mustard seeds,dry red chilly,curry leaves.
7. Add the seasonings to the curry.
8. Instead of tamarind you can add raw mango pieces.
9. Serve with Rice.