Bitter gourds  are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. But the problem with it is the bitter taste (as the name indicates). Are you having the habit of running away from bitter gourd dishes? ……. this recipe is the solution for it. Pavakka Kichadi  (പാവയ്ക്കാ കിച്ചടി)  is a traditional Kerala side dish, made using fried bitter gourd and curd (yogurt). . With the crispness of the fried bitter gourd blended wtth the sour curd gravy makes this dish favorable even for children.

Ingredients

1. Bitter gourd (പാവയ്ക്കാ)    : 4 (medium size)
2. Curd (Plane Yogurt)     : 1 cup
3. Green Chilli      : 2 split to half
4. Oil  for frying

Masala

1. Chilli powder    : 1 T sp.
2. Turmeric          : ½ T sp.
3. Salt  to taste

Seasoning

1. Mustard            : 1 T sp.
2. Dried Red chilli : 3
3. Curry leaves     : 1 sprig

Method

1. Remove the seeds out of the bitter gourd and chop it in to small slices
2. Mix the masala ingredients with the bitter gourd and allow the same to marinate for minimum an hour.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan, and fry the bitter gourd till it becomes dark and crispy. May split the frying quantity based on the pan size and/or oil quantity.
4. Once fried move it to a paper towel to drain the oil.
5. Use the same oil to fry the split Green chilli, until it starts darkening and move it the paper towel.
6. Now fry the seasoning ingredients in 1- T spoon oil.
7. Mix the fried bitter gourd in  the beaten curd (beaten to smoothen the lumps),,
8. Finally add the seasoning ingredients and do a final mix. Check the salt level , and add more and mix if needed.