Pavakka Thoran / Bitter Gourd Thoran.

Pavakka / Bitter Gourd is a stomachic medicine, which serves to tone the stomach, improving its function and increasing appetite. It is also used as a medicine for diabetics. This bitter fruit can be used to prepare a variety of dishes including Thoran. The grated coconut in Thoran reduces the bitterness of the dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• Bittergourd/ Pavakka (finely Chopped) - 1 big
• Grated coconut - ½ Cup
• Finely Chopped Onion - 1 nos
• Finely sliced coconut - ¼ cup
• Green Chilly(Chopped) - 4 nos 
• Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Red Chilly-2 nos
• Rice - 1tbsp
• Curry leaves - few
• Salt to taste

PREPARATION METHOD:

• Heat oil in a pan.
• Add mustard seeds and Red chilly and allow to splutter.
• Add rice and fry it.
• Once rice becomes crispy, add the chopped onion,green chilly and saute well till the Onion turns transparent.
• Add chopped Bitter gourd, sliced coconut,turmeric powder and Salt .
• Sprinkle water, cover the pan and let it cook.
• Add the grated coconut and mix well.
• Stir continuously till the water dries up.
• Add curry leaves and mix it.

Recommended Combination: Pavakka Thoran / Bitter Gourd Thoran can be served hot with Rice.