Pavakkai Pitlai (Kodum Pitlai/Pagarkkai Pitlai)

Ingredients

Bitter gourd (Pagarkkai, Pavakka) - 1 large 
Tamarind - small lemon sized ball 
Coriander seeds - 1 tsp 
Chana dal - 1 tsp 
Dry red chili - 2-3 
Black pepper - 4-5 
Salt - to taste 
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp 
Oil - 2-3 tbsp 
Grated coconut - 4-5 tbsp 
Toor dal (Split Red Lentils) - 1/2 cup 

For Tempering

Grated coconut - 1 tsp 
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp 
Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp 
Curry leaves - 1 sprig 
Asafoetida (hing) powder - 1/4 tsp 

Method

1. Wash and slice the bitter gourd (pavakka) into thin slices. 
2. Heat oil in a kadai and saute the bitter gourd pieces till it becomes crisp. Keep it aside. 
3. In the same kadai, fry the coriander seeds, chana dal, red chili, black pepper, grated coconut. Cool and grind it to a smooth paste. 
4. Boil the toor dal separately till it becomes soft and keep aside. 
5. In the kadai, add the pavakka, turmeric powder, salt and boil till the raw smell goes off. 
6. Add the ground masala, boiled tuvar dal and bring it to a boil. 
7. Temper with ingredients mentioned above. Switch off.