Pavakka Theeyal Recipe - Spicy & Tangy Karela In Tamarind Gravy

Pavakka Theeyal is a Kerala Style Bitter Gourd Curry which you can make for your everyday lunch/dinner. You can serve Pavakka Theeyal along with Palak Raita and Phulka for a weekday lunch with your family or you can also pack it in your Lunch box. Besides the best way is to serve it alongside some piping hot steamed rice.

Pavakka Theeyal Recipe - Spicy & Tangy Karela In Tamarind Gravy
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Pavakka Theeyal Recipe is a Kerala Style Bitter Gourd curry which you can make for your everyday food. This is a delicious way to make a Bitter Gourd curry which is sweet, spicy and tangy. It is easy to make and takes everyday ingredients to prepare it.

Did you Know: Bitter gourd contains important nutrients ranging from ironmagnesium and vitamin to potassium and vitamin C.  An excellent source of dietary fiber,  it also contains an insulin-like compound that helps control diabetes naturally.  

Serve Pavakka Theeyal along with Palak Raita and Phulka for a weekday lunch with your family. You can also pack it in your Lunch box.

You could also serve it along with Steamed rice, Snake Gourd Thoran Recipe (Turai Thoran) and drink a glass of Spiced Butter Milk With Coriander And Ginger Recipe with the meal. 

If you like this recipe, you can also try other Bitter Gourd Gravy recipes which you can make for your everyday lunch:

  1. Awadhi Style Karela Ka Dulma Recipe
  2. Kakarakaya Vepudu Recipe
  3. Kaju Karela Recipe

 

Prep in

20 M

Cooks in

30 M

Total in

50 M

Makes:

3 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Karela (Bitter Gourd/ Pavakkai)
  • 2 Onions
  • 1/4 cup Tamarind Water
  • 1/2 cups Water
  • 1 teaspoon Jaggery
  • 1 tablespoons Oil
  • Salt , to taste
  • To roast and grind:
  • 1 cup Fresh coconut
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander (Dhania) Seeds
  • 6 Dry Red Chillies
  • Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) , a pinch
  • 3 Whole Black Peppercorns
  • 5 Curry leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
  • For the tadka
  • 1 teaspoon Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)
  • 8 Curry leaves
  • 2 Dry Red Chillies

How to make Pavakka Theeyal Recipe - Spicy & Tangy Karela In Tamarind Gravy

  1. To begin making the Pavakka Theeyal recipe, firstly cut the bitter gourds into semi circles and soak them in required salt water. After 15 minutes, squeeze the bitter gourds and keep it aside. 

  2. The next step is to make the masala for Bitter Gourd curry. Add coconut, coriander seeds and dry red chillies into a heavy bottomed pan and dry roast till the coconut turns dark brown.

  3. Then reduce the flame and add turmeric, fenugreek seeds, peppercorns and curry leaves. Let it cook for 1 more minute.

  4. After a minute, add coconut oil and switch off the heat. Add this gravy mixture into a grinder, add a little water and grind it into a smooth paste.

  5. Heat some more oil the same pan and add the cut bitter gourd. Stir fry them till the bitter gourd roundels become crispy. Once the bitter gourd becomes crispy, add onions and cook them till they turn soft and brown.

  6. Add the grounded curry paste, tamarind juice, jaggery and 1-1/2 cups water. Mix everything properly. 

  7. Add salt in the curry and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Once it is ready, switch off the heat.

  8. Next, to make the tadka for curry, heat oil in a tadka pan. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, curry leaves and dry red chillies. Let it cook for about 30 seconds and add it to the curry. Give it a mix and it is ready to be served. 

  9. Serve Pavakka Theeyal along with Palak Raita and Phulka for a weekday lunch with your family. You can also pack it in your Lunch box.

  10.  You could also serve it along with Steamed rice, Snake Gourd Thoran Recipe (Turai Thoran) and drink a glass of Spiced Butter Milk With Coriander And Ginger Recipe with the meal.

Pavakka Theeyal Recipe - Spicy & Tangy Karela In Tamarind Gravy is part of the Indian Curry And Gravy Recipe Contest