Pavakka Mezhukkupuratti (Bitter gourd stir fry)

Pavakka Mezhukkupuratti (Bitter gourd stir fry)

Serves: 2

You will need

2 teaspoon oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 bitter gourd (pavakka)
3/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup (50 ml) water
1/2 teaspoon salt

Method

Wash and clean bitter gourd and cut into 1 - inch thin slices. Microwave high for 4 minutes with 1/2 cup (50 ml) water.

In a wide pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds. When they begin to pop, add microwaved bitter gourd slices, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt to taste.

You can also add bitter gourd slices directly for cooking (without microwave). Then add 1 cup water (100 ml) and cook till done and water dries up .

Cover with a lid and cook on a low to medium heat for 10 - 12 minutes or until done and water completely dries up (Recipe suggestion - open the lid and stir fry again on a low heat till sufficient time (approximate time 20 minutes) for it to become crisp). Serve hot with rice.

Health benefits of Bitter Gourd

Used as herbal medicine for diabetes. It has an insulin-like compound that reduces the blood and urine sugar levels.

It is highly beneficial in blood disorders like itching, blood boils, scabies, psoriasis, ring-worms and fungal infections.

Fresh juice of bitter gourd is highly beneficial for different types of diarrhoea and stomach infections.

Its juice has a detoxifying property and helps cleanse, repair and nourish liver.

It can help alleviate eye problems and improve eyesight.