Kakarakaya Podi Kura: Bitter Melon Dry Curry
[Vegan]

To Make the Masala:

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a small sauté pan and fry the chana dal, coriander seeds, and red chilis until the chana dal is lightly browned and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and transfer to a bowl.
2. In the same pan, add onions and fry until browned around the edges. Remove from the pan and let cool slightly.
3. Grind the chana dal mixture until smooth. Add onions, tamarind paste, grated coconut, and salt. Grind until smooth. Set aside.

To Make the Curry:

1. Firstly, if you'd like to remove some bitterness from the bitter melon, microwave it with some salt and 1 tablespoon tamarind paste for 5-6 minutes or until the vegetable is almost cooked and tender. Squeeze out the liquid and use as needed.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a sauté pan, add the chopped bitter gourd and fry until it turns golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add the ground masala paste, mix well and cook for 4-5 minutes. This curry should be dry, so don't add any water.