Bitter Gourd and Dried Shrimp Stir Fry | Pavakka Unakka Chemmeen Thoran

As a child, I used to hate bitter melons (bitter gourds). I found it really hard to establish a good friendship with this super bitter vegetable. However, once I was introduced to this extravagant recipe, my fondness towards this vegetable started to develop slowly.

The plus is that the bitterness of melon is hidden behind the flavours of shrimp, tamarind, and toasted coconut. However, you could still taste the bitter melon – minus the bitterness.

I know, convincing you to eat bitter melon is kinda weird. But let me tell you, they’re one of the super healthy veggies out there – well…. after kale. Think about the health benefits, try this stir fry, you might change your mind, like I did.

More Stir Fry Recipes:

• Cabbage Thoran or Cabbage Stir Fry
• Spinach Stir Fry or Cheera Thoran
• Egg & Carrot Stir Fry
• Stir Fried Dry Red Beans
• Raw Banana Stir Fry or Vazhakka Mezhukkupuratti
• Mushroom and Coconut Stir Fry or Mushroom Thoran
• Ivy Gourd and Dried Shrimp Stir Fry
• Green Beans and Carrot Stir Fry or Thoran
• Long Beans Stir Fry or Achinga Payar Mezhukkupuratti
• Green Beans Stir Fry or Mezhukkupuratti

Yield: 3-4

Bitter Gourd and Dried Shrimp Stir Fry | Pavakka Unakka Chemmeen Thoran

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Bitter gourd and dried shrimp stir fried with spices and grated coconut.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup bitter gourd or bitter melon
• ¾ cup dried shrimp (prawns)
• ¼ cup grated coconut
• 1-2 small coccums
• 1 small onion or 2-3 shallots, chopped
• 2-3 green chillies, chopped (optional)
• ¼ tsp mustard seeds
• ¼ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp chilly powder
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Instructions

1. Sprinkle chopped bitter gourds with a generous amount of salt. Set aside for 20 minutes. Discard the bitter juice that comes out of the bitter gourds. Rinse the chopped veggie well under cold running water.
2. Meanwhile heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Splutter mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Fry chopped onions or shallots until brown. Add in dried shrimp and fry again, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
3. Next up, add in bitter melon, coccum, and grated coconut.
4. Throw in green chillies (if using), ground turmeric, and chilly powder. Let it fry, stirring occasionally, for another 8-10 minutes.
5. Serve with rice.

Notes

If you do not like bitter gourds, substitute them with ivy gourds. (see the recipe for
ivy gourd and dried shrimp stir fry

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 130Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 32mgSodium 215mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 4gSugar 8gProtein 6g