Pavakka Theeyal Recipe – Bitter Gourd in Roasted Coconut Gravy
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Pavakka Theeyal, a beloved dish from Kerala, features the earthy bitterness of bitter gourd (pavakkai) harmoniously blended with the roasted coconut gravy, tamarind, and an aromatic mix of spices. Theeyal, meaning βburntβ in Malayalam, refers to the roasted coconut masala that forms the base of this dish. Typically, this dish can be made with a variety of vegetables such as pearl onions, eggplant, yam, drumstick, snake gourd, long beans, raw cashew, and, of course, bitter gourd. This flavorful, tangy, and slightly bitter curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients for Theeyal Curry | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Karela (Bitter Gourd / Pavakkai), chopped | 2 pieces |
| Pearl onions (Sambar Onions), finely chopped | 10 pieces |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tamarind water | 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ingredients to be Ground to Paste | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 piece |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1 cup |
| Ingredients for Seasoning | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coconut oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 pieces |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Bitter Gourd (Pavakkai)
To start, place the chopped bitter gourd (pavakkai), pearl onions, tamarind water, salt, and turmeric powder in a pressure cooker. Close the lid, place the weight, and pressure cook for two whistles. After the second whistle, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Step 2: Prepare the Theeyal Masala
While the bitter gourd is cooking, we will make the theeyal masala. In a small pan, dry roast the fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, and dry red chilli on medium heat until their aromas begin to emerge. Next, add the grated fresh coconut to the pan and roast for 2-3 minutes, until the coconut turns light golden brown.
Step 3: Grind the Masala
Once the coconut is roasted, transfer the roasted ingredients into a food grinder. Add a little warm water to the mixture and grind it into a smooth paste. This is the key Theeyal Masala.
Step 4: Combine the Masala with Cooked Bitter Gourd
By now, the pressure cooker would have released all its pressure. Open the cooker and stir in the freshly prepared theeyal masala. Mix it well with the cooked bitter gourd and onions. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium heat. Add a little water if needed to adjust the consistency. Theeyal is traditionally a thick curry, like sambar, but you can add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spice levels to suit your preferences.
Step 5: Season the Theeyal
In a small seasoning pan, heat the coconut oil. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. When they begin to crackle, add the dry red chillies and curry leaves. Allow the ingredients to roast and crackle for a minute before turning off the heat.
Step 6: Serve
Pour the hot seasoning into the cooked Pavakka Theeyal. Stir to combine and transfer the curry to a serving bowl. Serve the Pavakka Theeyal hot alongside steamed rice, Garlic Rasam, Raw Banana Thoran, and Elai Vadam for a delicious and traditional Kerala-style meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 200g)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Pavakka Theeyal is a beautifully balanced dish, offering a mix of bitter, tangy, and spicy flavors. Itβs an excellent choice for those seeking a vegetarian meal that is both hearty and flavorful. The combination of roasted coconut, fenugreek, and tamarind gives this curry its distinctive depth, making it a staple in Kerala cuisine. Enjoy this dish as part of your lunch or dinner, and savor the authentic taste of South Indian cooking!
