Bitter Gourd/Pavakka Thoran

Uniquely bitter yet wonderfully tasty!! Oxymoron??

Well, if you use pavakka in theeyal, Aviyal etc, ofcourse, it will be bitter. But try this thoran once, and your idea of bitter gourd will completely change. I love this thoran and it could be the onion and grated coconut thats responsible for the enhanced taste.

Bitter Gourd: 1

Coconut grated: 1/2 cup

Green Chillies chopped: 3

Onion: 1 medium chopped

Turmeric Powder: a pinch

Curry leaves: a sprig

Mustard: 1/2 tsp

Coconut oil: 1 tbsp

Salt: as required

Finely chop the bitter gourd like in the picture. (somewhere in between chopping and grating)

In a kadai, heat oil, splutter mustard.

Throw in the onions, green chillies and curry leaves.

Saute for 2 minutes on low flame and then add the finely chopped bitter gourd, coconut, turmeric powder and salt.

Mix everything properly, sprinkle water and cook on low flame with the lid on.

After a few minutes, stir again and cook closed till done.

Serve with rice.