Homemade crispy Bitter Gourd Chips ( Pavakkai / Karela Chips ) & AWARDS

• Bittergourd / Pavakkai / Karela               - 3 nos
• Gram flour                                            - ½ cup
• Rice flour                                              - 3 tsp
• Red chilly pwd                                      - 1 tsp
• Chat masala pwd                                   - ¼ tsp
• Oil to deep fry
• Salt to taste                                         

1. Wash the bittergourd and pat dry.
2. Slice off the top and tail and then cut the bittergourd into thin rings.
3. Put these thin rings in a plastic container and sprinkle 1 tsp of salt over them.
4. Mix them well,so that the rings are fully coated with salt.
5. Keep aside for half an hour.
6. The salt will cause the bittergourd to give off all its water and some of its bitterness.
7. After half an hour, drain all excess water from the bittergourd.
8. In a bowl, take gram flour, rice flour, red chilly pwd, chat masala, salt and 1 tsp of oil.
9. Mix well.
10. Add the sliced bitter gourd to the flour mix.
11. Sprinkle few drops of water so that the masala coats all the pieces well.
12. Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan on medium flame.
13. When hot , add the masala coated slices little at a time & fry till crispy.
14. Stir often with a slotted ladle.
15. When cooked, drain and put onto paper towels.
16. Store in an air tight container. It stays crisp for a long time.

17. Enjoy the crisp & spicy bittergourd chips with your piping hot coffee/ tea or as a side for  curd rice.