Bitter Gourd Thoran

Ingredients

• - 300g bitter gourd (pavakka)
• - 2 tbsp coconut oil
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 2 dried red chillies
• - 1 sprig curry leaves
• - 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
• - 2 green chillies
• - 1/4 tsp turmeric
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. Prepare bitter gourd: Wash 2-3 pavakka (bitter gourds). Halve, remove seeds and cut into thin half-rounds. Rub with salt and leave 15 minutes. Rinse well.
2. Make coconut mixture: Mix half cup freshly grated coconut with half tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 2 green chillies, 3 shallots and 1 tsp jaggery.
3. Heat coconut oil: Heat 3 tbsp coconut oil (more oil helps with the bitterness).
4. Fry bitter gourd first: Add rinsed bitter gourd and fry on medium heat 6-8 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
5. Add mustard seeds: Push bitter gourd aside. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds — cover until they pop.
6. Add aromatics: Add 2 dried red chillies and curry leaves. Fry 20 seconds.
7. Add coconut mixture: Add coconut mixture to the fried bitter gourd. Season with salt.
8. Toss together: Cook on medium heat 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined.
9. Final toss: Toss on high heat 1-2 minutes.
10. Serve: Bitter gourd thoran with jaggery has a pleasant bitter-sweet balance. Serve with rice.