Pavakkai Chips (Bitter-guard Chips)

               
                                 Pavakkai Chips (Bitter-guard Chips)

       Many desist eating bitter-guard, because of its bitterness. Elders in the family often tell us it is very good for health. This bitter-guard is my "FIL's" (father-in-law) favorite vegetable, i used to wonder how a person would love, a thing which is very bitter. But he says you should enjoy or eat a vegetable as it comes in nature.

Ingredients:                                                                  Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Bitter-guard: 2 Nos , big ones                                          Resting Time: 10 Minutes
Rice flour: 1 tablespoon                                                  Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
Besan flour: 2 table spoons                                             Yields: Serves 4
Chilli powder: 1/2 teaspoon 
Garam masala:  1/2 teaspoon
Ginger Garlic paste: 1 teaspoon (Optional)
Salt as per taste
Water for sprinkling
Oil for frying

Method:
1. Wash bitter-guard well and dry it using a soft cloth.
2. Cut the vegetable into thin roundels, discarding the seeds.
3. Smear salt over the bitter-guard roundels and rest it for 20 minutes in a bowl.
4. Now take the roundels and squeeze the extra water. Put it into bowl.
5. Add chilli powder, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, besan flour & rice flour to the bitter-guard. Add salt as per taste.
6. Sprinkle very little water so that the flour and masalas coat well over the bitter-guard.
7. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan over a medium flame, when the oil is hot, fry in batches.
8. Fry it till golden brown and drain excess oil and keep.
9. When it is cooled completely, store it in a air tight container.

Note:
1. Stays well for a week.
2. Smearing salt to bitter-guard before frying takes away the bitterness and makes it less bitter.