Tasty and Delicious Karela / Pavaikka

Ingredients needed for the tasty and Delicious Karela / Pavaikka
4 Bittergourds / Pavaikka / Karela
2 cups besan / kadala maau
oil as required
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp jeeragam / cumin seeds
3 onions
3 green chillies
1 piece ginger
1 clove garlic
2 tomatoes
1 pinch turmeric powder
1 tsp chilli powder
2 tsps coriander powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 to 1 piece achu vellam / jaggery, according to your taste

How to prepare the Tasty and Delicious Karela
Clean Pavaikka and slit lengthwise in to three pieces, then cut across in to 2" long pieces. Ideally the pieces should be 1" wide and 2" long.
Blend besan and salt  together with a little water to a batter like consistency.
Dip each of the Pavaikka piece in to the batter and deep fry in hot oil till they are golden and crisp.
Drain off the excess oil and keep aside.
Remove all the extra oil from the pan keeping a little oil back. Add mustard and jeera, splutter  and then add chopped onions. Saute till the onions get golden.
Add chopped green chillies, ginger, garlic  and tomatoes and fry till they are cooked and soft.
Add turmeric powder, coriander powder and chilli powder with garam masala  and the jaggery. Mix well and cook till masalas lose their raw smell and blend with the onion and toamto paste.
Add fried pavaikka to this gravy, sprinkle some water and salt. Mix well, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Remove and serve fresh and hot.

Points to Note:
You can adjust the amount of jaggery accirding to your taste. If you like the slightly bitter taste of pavaikka do not add jaggery or add very little just for that taste.
With Curd rice this should accompany very well. See if you like this.
To know more about the nuritional benefits of bittergourds  / Pavaikka visit Lathas Corner

Other Paavaikka /  Karela Recipes
Paavaikka Pachadi
Paavaikka Pulingari