Pavakka Kichadi | Bitter gourd in coconut and yogurt sauce

Pavakka Kichadi

Pavakka Kichadi- Kerala Vishu / Onam sadhya special recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 to 5
Ingredients:

1. Pavakka /bitter gourd,sliced- 1 medium sized
2. Green chili,sliced-2-3
3. Grated coconut-1/2 cup
4. Cumin seeds-1/8 tsp ( optional)
5. Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
6. Yogurt-3/4 to 1 cup
7. Water- as required
8. Salt- to taste
9. Oil- as required

For tempering:

1. Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
2. Shallots / Chumannulli,sliced-2 to 3
3. Dry red chilies- 1 or 2
4. Curry leaves-1 sprig

Instructions:

Heat oil in a pan ,add pavakka/bitter-gourd and green chilies , fry until it turns golden brown and slightly crisp.Drain and keep aside.

Grind together grated coconut , cumin seeds( if using) and just enough water to form a smooth paste.Crush the mustard seeds and add it to the coconut paste.Keep aside.

In a mixing bowl,combine together fried bitter-gourd and green chilies,coconut paste and yogurt.Add salt to taste and mix well.

For tempering,heat oil in a pan,add mustard seeds and let it splutter.Add shallots,dry red chilies and curry leaves,saute until shallots turn golden brown.Add this to the curry and mix well.