Paavakka Pidla (Bittergourd Pidla)

Ingredients for Paavakka Pidla (Bittergourd Pidla):

1. Bitter gourd – 300 gm

2. Salt – For taste

3. Coconut oil – 3 big spoons

4. Black gram dal – 3 big spoons

    Pepper – 1 small spoon

    Red chilli – 1

5. Toor dal – 6 big spoons

6. Tamarind juice – 4 small spoons

7. Sugar – 1 small spoon

    Curry leaves – 2 stems

    Salt – As required

8. Coconut oil – 3 big spoons

9. Mustard – 1/4 small spoon

    Red chilli – 1

    Curry leaves – 2 stems

How to prepare Paavakka Pidla (Bittergourd Pidla)?

1. Chop bitter gourd to thin pieces and add salt to it.

2. After a few minutes, deep fry the pieces in hot oil. They should turn crispy.

3. Dry fry ingredients no: 4 in a pan and make a fine paste.

4. Cook dal adding water.

5. When it’s almost done, add gravy, tamarind juice and fried bitter gourd pieces.

6. Cook it well and add ingredients no: 7 before you switch off the flame.

7. Temper ingredients no: 9 in oil and pour to the curry.

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine August 15 – 31, 2014 

Read a few more vegetarian side dishes: