Kerala style Pavakka Mezhukkupuratty, Bitter gourd Stir Fry

1. Wash and cut the bitter gourd into half lengthwise. Remove the seeds, clean and wash it again. Then cut each half into very thin slices.
2. In a bowl, mix together the sliced bitter gourd, chopped onion, green chillies, curry leaves, turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt.
3. Heat oil in pan, add in the coconut slices and fry till the coconut slices are light golden in color.
4. Add in the prepared bitter gourd mixture and saute well. Cover and cook for 5 – 6 minutes or until the bitter gourd pieces are half-done on low heat.
5. Then remove the lid and fry till light golden brown in color.
6. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes:

• To reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt in the chopped bitter gourd and mix well. Set aside for 30 minutes.
• Take a handful of bitter gourd pieces and squeeze it well using your hands and try to remove the bitter juice out of the pieces as much as possible and set aside the pieces. Continue the same with the remaining pieces. Then continue with step #2.