Moru moru Pavakkai Varuval (Crispy Bitterguard fry) (Crispy Karela fry)

Some people love Pavakkai (bitterguard/karela) and most does not. In my childhood days, my mother used to cook it as a curry but i never touch it as it will have more bitterness. But in my college days, my friend zhagazhi, used to cook and bring it and i never feel the bitter taste in it and it will be delicious. From that time onwards i started eating and loving the pavakkai...

Since i have understood the goodness and nutritious value in that, i want my kids to eat it and i try it in different varieties to remove its bitterness. Now my kid love to eat it, when i do the pavakkai fry...

Ingredients

• Pavakkai/Bitterguard/Karela - 1/4 kg
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Chilli powder - 1.5 tsp ( can be adjusted according to your taste)
• Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
• Besan - 1 stp
• Corn flour - 1.5 tsp
• Rice flour - 1/2 tsp
• Salt as needed
• Vinegar - 1/2 tsp ( or lemon juice)
• Ajinamoto - a pinch
• Curry leaves for garnishing
• Oil for frying

Method

• Mix all the ingredients except curry leaves and oil.
• If you need water, slightly sprinkle on it.
• Allow to marinate for about an hour.
• Fry in oil in small batches. (the oil must be very hot)
• Fry the curry leaves in the same oil and garnish the bitterguard fry
• Serve hot.

[ Note: The masala's used to remove most of the bitterness in the pavakkai(karela), but if need to remove it fully, 1 tsp of jaggery can be added during marination. I didnt do like that since my kid eat it as it is].

Sending this recipe to the following events:

1. My event - Celebrating Indepence Day - 2010

2. Pari's Only Event - Kids Delight

3. Sharmi's - Lets munch - tea time snacks