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
Bitter Gourd and Dried Shrimp Stir Fry | Pavakka Unakka Chemmeen Thoran
Bitter gourd and dried shrimp stir fried with spices and grated coconut.
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Servings -4
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 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chilly powder
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Oil
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Next up, add in bitter melon, coccum, and grated coconut.
- Throw in green chillies (if using), ground turmeric, and chilly powder. Let it fry, stirring occasionally, for another 8-10 minutes.
- 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
ivy gourd and dried shrimp stir fry
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 215mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g
Linda Creation says
Wooooow
Mariposaoro says
Hmmm.. I have yet to be convinced.. But I may just give it a go... It has coconut in it, so that's a winner!
Hazel says
Hi! Is there any substitute for the coccums?
Rose Mary George says
Coccum gives a very unique tangy flavor to this dish, so I highly recommend using it. They're easily available from Indian grocery stores! Hope that helps!