Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu

What should I possibly say about pavakkai, aka, bitter gourd? Healthiness of course right? Bitterness for healthiness? Certainly. Then again, getting kids to tuck into bitter gourd. Can be quite a thing right? We adults on the other hand once we realise we need bitter gourd especially when age catches up mostly? I know. I too have not been a been fan of bitter gourd when I was younger, but now I am appreciated it for also keeping my other half-half's diabetes in control (Bitter Gourd Sambar & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry). Today ladies and gentlemen, I bring you this Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu. In other words, bitter gourd sour or tangy curry. A vegetarian version indeed (Indian Tofu Curry, Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry, Indian Mango Chutney, Eggplant Tikka Masala & Thai Vegetable Curry) and for elevating it further, I added potatoes. Potatoes. No harm done right? Of course. In fact, potatoes cutting through for mellowing bitter gourd's bitterness. Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu? Trust me, unforgettable. I bet you will love it to every drip and drop. 


Ingredients
3-4 medium size Indian bitter gourd - remove or include the seeds and slice
2 medium size potatoes - cut into medium size pieces (with or without the skin)
2 tomatoes - slice thinly
1 red onion - chopped 
5 garlic - chopped 
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp fenugreek/halba seeds
3-4 sprigs curry leaves
1/2 cup thick coconut milk
2 tbsp curry powder - mix with water for a thick paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder 
1-2 tbsp tamarind juice
1/2 liter water
4 tbsp oil
Salt for taste

Method
When oil is heated, sauté onion and garlic.
Add mustard and fenugreek seeds.
Stir and when seeds start to splatter, add curry paste.
Stir and simmer till aromatic and oil splits. 
Add the rest of the ingredients except coconut milk.
Stir all together and pour in water. 
Simmer to soften gourd and potato.  
Pour in coconut milk and gently stir all in.
Heat through and remove from heat. 


10 comments:

  1. bitter gourd potato curry.. this is nice..
    I normally drink bitter gourd juice 1x/2wk..
    good for detoxification...

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  2. nt really like bitter ground >.< but never try it together with curry maybe it will be nice ~

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  3. Nice curry with my fav veggie,never tried with potato,sounds like a gr8 combo...

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  4. I like the sound of this curry, it is a different but tasty combo :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  5. I love your combo of bittergourd and potato next time when I buy bitter gourd I will try this curry.

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  6. So interesting...I never thought in cooking bitter gourd with curry...something that I might try.
    Have a great week Nava!

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  7. MMm should be very good. Never had it with bittergourd before

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  8. This is interesting. Never tasted bitter gourd curry before though I am certain I will love it since I love bitter gourd as a general rule.

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  9. Bittergourd and Potato makes a delicious combo!! My mom always makes it this way!!

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  10. The curry is inviting me for a lunch with you

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