Pavakka Kondattam / Sun Dried Bitter Gourd fries

The first time we went to US, my MIL had packed some sun dried bitter gourd to take along. I knew just a hand full of dishes to make, back then, so it was of such a relief to fry it when I ran short of ideas for sides to go with rice. We used to love it.

Both me and Jacob are not a fan of this veggie. But if its fried or stir fried with lots of coconut in it, then we love it. When we moved to Phoenix, the hot sunny days helped us get these dried up faster in the sun, to enjoy it as a side for rice. Yes, that's right. This post had been ready when we were in Phoenix but never got to post it :). Lazy me. But today when I took the fresh batch of Kondattam that my MIL made and packed for us to take along to Pune, I thought about this post. So here you go.

Nadan Egg Roast / Egg Roast (Kerala style)

Sunday lunch used to be a treat for us, as kids. Early morning mass followed by sunday class and then when we get back, there would be another round of breakfast as we would have rushed through it in the morning. Then there would be a relay of programs to watch in television. 

As we watched Mahabharat/ The Bible / The Bournvita quiz contest, the lunch would be ready. It would be always special and different.

Kale Kootu ~ our favorite these days!

I always used to see these green leafy and lacy beauties, everytime we go grocery shopping. I just didn't know how it tasted. My uncertainty avoidance index has always been high, which totally explains why I never tried them before.

But one day, I just couldn't find anything interesting to go with rice. Same carrot, cabbage, beans everyday....I just wanted change. The first time I bought them, I tried a simple thoran. I could find its taste similar to Muringa ella (Drumstick leaves), which we like. So kale started accompanying us back home, after every grocery shopping.