Pavakkai Thogayal

How to Prepare

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a kadai over medium heat.
2. Add 4 teaspoons of urad dal and 4 teaspoons of chana dal. Fry until golden brown.
3. Add 20 dried red chilies and fry for a few seconds until they puff up.
4. Add 2 cups of chopped bitter gourd (pavakkai) and sauté for 8-10 minutes until it softens and turns slightly brown.
5. Add 1 cup of grated coconut and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add 2 teaspoons of tamarind paste and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
8. Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and grind into a coarse paste without adding water.
9. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in the same kadai, add 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
10. Add the ground thogayal paste to the kadai, mix well, and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
11. Remove from heat and serve with rice or dosa.