Pavakka(Kaipakka) Theeyal | Bitter Gourd Curry

Bitter gourds in any form are my favorite, and so was this recipe.I learnt this from my mom and thought of sharing it with you all. This alone is enough with hot plain rice.I keep trying many other theeyals too,love the roasted coconut mix taste with veggies. I also cook bitter gourd curry in thick coconut milk(kaipakka paal curry) ,that's another very relishing recipe. Do it out !

   


pavakka theeyal /bitter gourd curry

Ingredients

bitter gourd 2 sliced

onion/shallots 1/2 cup sliced

green chilli 3

garlic 3 cloves

coconut grated 1/2 cup

chilly powder 1tsp

coriander powder 1tsp

turmeric powder 1/2tsp

fenugreek seeds 1/2tsp

tamarind 1 amla size(soaked in water)

curry leaves a sprig

coconut slices/thenga kothu 2tbsp

salt

water 1cup

oil preferably coconut 2tbsp

Method

• Wash and slice the bitter gourds ,sprinkle with some salt and keep aside for half an hour. Dry roast the coconut in a pan till brown.

roasted coconut

• Mix all the spices into the roasted coconut and fry on a low flame,till a nice aroma comes.
  Put off the flame and cool it.Grind this mixture into a fine paste.
  
  

roasted spices and coconut

• Heat oil in  a pan and add in thenga kothu(coconut slices),fry for two minutes until its roasted slightly. Slide in onions and saute for two minutes. Saute the green chilli and garlic cloves. Drain the water oozed out from the sliced bitter gourds(reduces bitterness) and add the bitter gourd to the pan. Fry them for 3 minutes.

• Now add the fine coconut paste,salt and water. Cook  covered for 7 minutes and add the tamarind water. Again cook for 2minutes and is ready. Garnish with curry leaves.

• servings~ a large bowl

TIPS

*You can also cook the bitter gourds in water(1/2 cup),turmeric and salt for 5 mins in a microwave and drain the water and add to the curry .(reduces bitterness to a large extent).
* Try and use shallots in this curry,helps reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd.