KAKARAKAYA VEPUDU(ANDHRA STYLE)

A great recipe for all those bitter gourd lovers. Crunchy cashews, hot red chillies and a simple flavorful masala makes this authentic andhra style kakarakaya vepudu. Try this out.

INGREDIENTS

• Kakarakayalu                 5-6 (medium)
• Onion                             1
• Salt                                 to taste
• Turmeric                        a pinch
• Red chilies                     3
• Cashews                        10-12
• Curry leaves                   a few
• Jeera                               1 Tsp
• Oil                                  4 Tsp

PROCEDURE 

Cut the bitter gourd into thin roundels, apply some salt and set aside.

Mean while cut the onion into large chunks and grind it along with red chilies and jeera.

Don't make it into a paste. Grind them roughly.

After half an hour or so squeeze out the water from the bitter gourd pieces and wash them if you want to avoid the bitter taste. But personally I don't wash the pieces as I like the little bitter taste.

Heat oil in the pan and add the cashews and the curry leaves. When the cashews are fried add the bitter gourd pieces. 

Add a little bit of salt and turmeric( we have already added salt before).

Cover with a lid and cook on a very low flame till the pieces are tender.

Now remove the lid and add the ground onion paste.

Increase the flame and fry the curry till the pieces turn golden brown and crisp on the outer side.

Serve with hot steamy rice.