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Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe/Bitter Gourd Pitlai Recipe is given below with step-by-step instructions.

Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe | Bitter Gourd Pitlai Recipe | Paavakai Pitlai | Pavakkai Pitlai

Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe is a healthy, tasty and flavourful South Indian dal-based gravy/kuzhambu or kootu dish. You can easily make this Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe within 30-40 minutes and serve it as a side dish for rice. The Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe is given below with step-by-step instructions.

If you try this Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe. Do let me know in the comment section. I'm very excited to read your comments.

Before moving on to the Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe. Let's know about -

What is Pavakkai Pitlai?

Pavakkai Pitlai is a traditional South Indian side dish recipe that is hailed from the state of Tamilnadu. Pavakkai Pitlai is similar to the South Indian sambar recipe. However, there are a few variations, especially spice powder/masala powder used in Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe.

Pitlai Recipe is prepared with either pavakkai or brinjal. If pavakkai is added, it is called Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe. Pavakkai is nothing but the vegetable - Bitter Gourd/Karela.

If you are new to the "Pavakkai/Bitter Gourd" ingredient. No worries. I have already written a detailed article about it. Kindly, click the below link to check out -
🔗Pavakkai/Bitter Gourd/Karela

Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe is made with a special spice powder called Pitlai Powder. Pitlai powder is made up of freshly roasted and coarsely grounded spices along with coconut.

All right, let's move on to the Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe.

How to make Pavakkai Pitlai?/How to make Bitter Gourd Pitlai?

Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe is a healthy, tasty and flavourful South Indian dal-based gravy/kuzhambu or kootu dish. You can easily make this Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe within 30-40 minutes and serve it as a side dish for rice.

Cuisine - South Indian
Serving - 4
Timing - 30-40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Pavakkai/Bitter Gourd - 1 (large size)
Tamarind - gooseberry size
Salt - to taste
Toor dal - 1/4 cup
Jaggery powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 teaspoon

FOR SPICE PASTE

Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon
Coriander Seeds - 2 teaspoons
Dry Red Chilli - 3
Peppercorns - 1/4 teaspoon
Chana Dal - 1 teaspoon
Coconut (Grated) - 2 tablespoons
Asafoetida - 1/2 teaspoon

FOR TADKA

Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
Curry Leaves - 1 sprig

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To begin making the Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe - Firstly, soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of water. Chop the washed bitter gourd/pavakkai into the desired shapes.

2. To cook the Dal - In a pressure cooker add washed toor dal with 1 1/2 cups of water and cook for 3-4 whistles or until mushy and keep it ready.

3. To cook the Pavakkai - In a deep pan add 1/2 litre of water, salt and a pinch of turmeric and allow to boil. Once the water is boiled add chopped pavakkai and cook for 4-5 minutes or until pavakkai is 80% cooked. Turn off the flame and strain the pavakkai from the water.

4. To make the Pitlai Powder - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan and add coriander seeds and fry for a minute then add chana dal and peppercorns again for a few seconds, then add red chilli fry for a few seconds finally add grated coconut and fry for 1 minute or until light golden colour.

5. Transfer to a plate and cool the mixture completely.

6. Transfer to a mixer grinder with asafoetida and grind to a coarse paste.

7. To Cook Pavakkai Pitlai - In a pan add 1 tablespoon of oil add mustard seeds let them splutter then add curry leaves and fry for a few seconds. Now add boiled toor dal along with water mix well. Then add tamarind water and allow to cook for 2 minutes.

8. Now add the pitlai masala paste, 1 teaspoon jaggery and salt to taste mix well and cook for 2 minutes.

9. Add boiled pavakkai/bitter gourd mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

10. Turn off the flame.

11. Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe is ready.

You can serve Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe as a side dish for rice, variety rice or even with chapati.

If you have any more questions about the Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe/Bitter Gourd Pitlai Recipe. Do mail me at knowyourindianfoodofficial@gmail.com. Furthermore, follow me on  Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

I hope the above recipe and the information benefits you. Please let me know if you try this recipe in the comment section. I'm very excited to read your comments.

HAPPY COOKING!
with better ingredients for better food.

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