Bittter Gourd Masala Gravy/ Pavakka Ozhichu Curry

 Pavakka ozhichu curry also known as Pavakka curry/ Kaipakka curry is very tasty and easy to prepare Kerala style bitter gourd coconut masala gravy made with bitter gourd adding shallots /small onions and freshly ground coconut masala paste and goes well with rice.

The following ingredients are needed to prepare Bitter gourd Masala Gravy / Pavakka Ozhichu Curry /Kaipakka Curry.

Ingredients:-

Bitter gourd.              -1
Shallots /small onion -8
Green chilly.               -2
Turmeric powder.       -1/4 tsp
Bilimbi /Irumban puli.-3 or Kudampuli.- a small
Salt.                             -to taste
Water.                          -as required

For grinding Coconut Masala Paste:-

Grated coconut.        -1/2 cup
Shallots /small onion.-3
Garlic clove.              -1
Turmeric powder.      -1/4 tsp
Water.                        -1/4 cup

For Seasoning:-

Mustard seeds.          -1/2 tsp
Shallots/ small onion -4
Dry red chilly.            -2
Curry leaves.              -few
Coconut oil.               -1tbsp

Instructions:-

1). Cut bitter gourd /pavakka / kaipakka into two halves lengthwise and remove the seeds.Then chop the bitter gourd into small thin slices. Chop shallots /small onions into thin round slices.

2). Grind grated coconut, 3 shallots/small onions, 1garlic clove and turmeric powder to a smooth paste adding 1/4 cup of water. Keep aside the freshly ground coconut masala paste.

Method:-

1). In a wide bottom pan add thinly chopped bitter gourd slices, thinly chopped shallots (small onion), half slit green chillies, turmeric powder, a small piece of kudampuli or 2 chopped irumban puli (bilimbi), 1/4 tsp salt, 1cup of water and mix well.Cover and cook the bitter gourd slices till soft. (you can add little squeezed tamarind pulp if irumban puli or kudampuli is not available).

2). Add freshly ground coconut masala paste and 1/2 cup of water into the pan and mix with cooked bitter gourd slices. Cook for 2 minutes on low flame and switch off the flame.

3). Heat 1tbsp coconut oil in a small pan for seasoning. Splutter mustard seeds. Add thinly chopped shallot slices/small onions, dry red chilly broken pieces and few curry leaves into the pan and saute in oil. Switch off the flame.

4).Pour the seasoning over the bitter gourd coconut masala gravy in the pan and cover the pan with a lid for a few seconds.

Very tasty Bitter Gourd Masala Gravy / Pavakka Ozhichu Curry / Kaipakka Curry is ready to serve with rice.