Crispy Bitter Gourd Fry (Pavakka Fry)

Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (kaipakka) - 4 whole
• Onion - 2 whole
• Red chili powder - 1 tbsp
• Pepper powder - 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
• Salt
• Oil
• Green chili - 2 whole
• Curry leaves

Instructions

1. 1Slice the bitter gourd into round pieces and place them in a large bowl so they are ready to absorb the spices.
2. 2In the same bowl, sprinkle the red chili powder, pepper powder, turmeric powder and salt over the bitter gourd, toss to coat evenly, and let the mixture marinate for 1 hr.
3. 3Heat enough oil for deep frying in a wide pan until hot, then deep fry the marinated bitter gourd in batches until the pieces are crisp and lightly browned; transfer them to a serving bowl lined with paper towels.
4. 4Thinly slice the onion, leave the remaining oil in the pan after frying, and fry the onion in that oil over medium heat until it turns golden brown and sweet-smelling.
5. 5Add the curry leaves to the onions at the end and fry briefly until the leaves are crisp, then remove the pan from the heat.
6. 6Return the fried bitter gourd to the pan with the fried onions, toss gently to combine so the onion coats the pieces and the flavors meld, then garnish with sliced green chili and extra fried curry leaves before serving.
7. 7Optional: serve warm with rice or porridge for a comforting meal.