Pagarkai / Bittergourd Fry I

                     This Pagarkai Fry is very tasty and goes well as a side dish for rice, mixed with Sambar, Rasam or any other Kuzhambu.


Ingredients :

Pagarkai     250 gms.
Onion    1
Tamarind    1 Nellikai  ( Gooseberry ) Size
Chilly Powder    1/2  to 1 tsp.
Oil    2 tbsp.
Salt, Turmeric Powder,
Mustard,Split Urad Dhal, Curry Leaves.

Pagarkai Fry

Method :

1. Soak the Tamarind in warm water for 10 mins. and take 1 cup of Tamarind water.

2. Slice the Pagarkai and soak in tamarind water for 10 mins.

3. Heat oil, add Mustard, Split Urad Dhal and Curry leaves. After the Mustard splutters,
    add the sliced onion and saute well.

4. Then add the Pagarkai,salt and stir well on medium flame.Two or 3 tbsp.of Tamarind
    water can also be added,that Pagarkai gets cooked well and the bitter taste is
    neutralised.

5. When the vegetable is half cooked or roasted, add chilly powder and Turmeric powder.

6. Roast on a medium flame for 5 mins.Check, if the veg. is cooked and roasted.Switch
    off. The tasty fry is ready.

Note :

1. Tamarind water and soaking can also be left.The sliced Pagarkai can be added after
    the onion is sauteed.

2. Crushed Garlic Pods can be added with the onion.Grated coconut can be added in the
    end.