Pavakka Kondattam / Sun Dried Bitter Gourd Chips

Ingredients:

4 bitter gourds / pavakka / kaipakka

5 green chillies, slit into half

salt to taste

water

oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Slice the bitter gourds into slightly thick disc shapes.
2. In a pan, add the sliced bitter gourd, green chillies, salt and enough water and bring it to a boil.
3. Simmer the flame to medium and let it cook until the bitter gourd turns tender.
4. Remove from the flame and drain off the water and spread them on a on a sheet lined with parchment paper / kitchen towel.
5. Then dry them in the sun for 3-4 days until it completely dries up. Store them in an air-tight container.
6. To fry, heat oil in a pan and add the dried bitter gourd and fry them at medium flame till it puff up.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve with rice or have it as a snack....