Snake gourd / Padavalanga mezhukupuratti

Ingredients

1. Snake gourd / Padavalanga  - 2 medium sized
2. Onion - 1 big
3. Red chilli powder - 1 tbsp
4. Turmeric powder - 0.25 tbsp
5. Oil - 3 tbsp
6. Curry leaves - 1 twig
7. Salt - to taste
8. Grated coconut - 2 tbsp (optional)
9. Water 

Procedure

1. Cut Snake gourd / Padavalanga into thin slices after removing the seeds and the flesh inside.
2. Cut onion into thin slices
3. In a vessel, mix thinly cut padavalanga, onion and salt. Add very little water ( 1 tbsp)
4. Cover and cook in low flame till the padavalanga and onion have become soft
5. Add turmeric, red chilli powders and salt
6. Cover and cook till pavakka is cooked. Stir in between to make sure that the dish is not getting burnt.
7. Add oil, curry leaves and fry for another 10 minutes in low flame.
8. Add coconut and stir again for another 3 minutes. This is an optional step. This makes the dish more tastier though.
9. Yummy padavalanga mezhukkupuratti is ready to be served with rice