Pavakka Kichadi

 Pavakka (bitter gourd) kichadi is a traditional Kerala preparation. Like other recipes; it is also based on a coconut-yogurt  gravy. Try this delicious side dish for your lunch and of-course you are not disappointed.
Ingredients:

1. Bitter Gourd (pavakka)-1 large
2. Oil-for frying
3. Green chilly-2
4. Curry leaves-2 or 3
5. Coconut grated- 1/2 cup
6. Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp
7. Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp
8. Dry red chilly-2 nos
9. Yogurt-1 cup
10. Salt-to taste

Ingredients For Seasoning:

1. Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
2. Dry red chilly-2
3. Curry leaves-1 spring

Preparation:

• Slice bitter gourd in to very thin.
• Shallow fry them in hot oil until golden brown in color.
• When it is half fried add chopped green chillies and 2 or 3 curry leaves in to it.
• After frying; drain from oil and keep aside to cool little.
• Crush them coarsely by using a blender or mortal pestle (just give a quick crush; no need to crush tiney).
•  Blend grated coconut along with cumin seeds, shallots and enough water to make a smooth paste.
• In a bowl; Mix crushed bitter gourd with coconut paste, beaten yogurt and salt.
• Now in the remaining fried oil do seasoning. (avoid excess oil and keep 1 tbsp in the pan)
• Splutter mustard seeds; add dry red chilly and curry leaves.
• Pour it over the bitter gourd and mix well before serving.