Pavakka Pachidi / Bitter gourd in a spiced curd

          As it is getting hotter day by day , im trying my best to add in curd to our everyday food. Little girl and i am a great great fan of curd, and we can even survive on just curd at least for a few days. Back at home curd based curried are made very often, but here i don't make it so often. But now we have it most of the days.

Pavakka pachidi / Bittergourd in spiced curd is one curry amma made during Onam or Vishu festivals for the lunch feast . A very traditional curry , pachidi is usually made with cucumber . beetroot , ladys finger . Well, some call it , kichadi and some call it pachidi- if anyone knows the actual name just let me know :).

Pavakka Pachidi / Bitter gourd in a spiced Curd

Ingredients

1 - 2 Bitter gourd / Pavakka ( cut in half moon shape / chopped )
1 cup Curd ( beat it with a fork to smooth )

1/2 cup Grated Coconut
1/4 tsp Cumin / Jeera
1 1/2 Green Chili
1 small Shallot

For tempering:
1/4 tsp Mustard seeds
 1 Green chili ( slit )
1 Shallot ( sliced )
few curry leaves

Method:

In a pan heat about 2 - 3 tbsp oil and fry the bitter gourd / pavakka pieces
Grind together coconut + cumin + green chili + shallot to a very fine paste.
( we usually do not heat this mixture but if you want , you can microwave it for just 30 sec )
Add the beaten curd to the mixture and mix well with enough salt to taste.
Add in the fried Bitter gourd pieces and mix well.

For tempering : Heat oil in a small pan and pop mustard seeds + green chili + shallots + curry leaves, and pour it on the curry, and serve.