Veg
Crispy Pavakka Fry (Bitter Gourd Stir-Fry)
A family recipe since March 2019
A crisp, spiced bitter gourd fry that balances the vegetable's natural bitterness with warm spices and toasted coconut. Quick to make and perfect as a flavorful side for steamed rice.
30 min total3 servings
Ingredients
- Bitter gourd - 1 cup
- Coconut bits or thenga kothu - 1/4 cup
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
- Garlic - 2 clove
- Red chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
- Garam masala - 1/4 tsp
- Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp
- Onion - 1 whole
- Ghee
- Coconut oil
- Curry leaves
- Salt
Instructions
- 1Slice the bitter gourd into thin round pieces so they fry evenly.
- 2Toss the sliced bitter gourd with turmeric powder and salt, then keep aside for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- 3Heat coconut oil in a frying pan, add the bitter gourd slices, and fry until they are crispy and lightly browned; transfer them to a plate.
- 4In the same pan, add ghee and fry the coconut bits until they turn light brown and smell fragrant, then move them to the plate with the bitter gourd.
- 5Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until softened, then add the chopped garlic and curry leaves and fry until the garlic turns golden brown and aromatic.
- 6Return the fried bitter gourd and toasted coconut to the pan, sprinkle red chilli powder, garam masala, and pepper powder, and toss everything together over the heat until well coated and warmed through.
- 7Serve with rice as a side dish. Optional: squeeze a little fresh lime over the dish just before serving.