Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe Easy Home Cooking Procedure Hotel
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Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious South Indian Dish
Introduction
Pavakkai Pitlai, also known as Bitter Gourd Curry, is a traditional South Indian dish that combines the unique bitterness of pavakkai (bitter gourd) with rich, aromatic spices. This blog post will guide you through the history, importance, ingredients, cooking process, and health benefits of Pavakkai Pitlai.
Pavakkai Pitlai Recipe Easy Home Cooking Procedure Hotel
History and Importance
Pavakkai Pitlai has its roots in Tamil Nadu’s culinary tradition. The dish is cherished for its distinctive taste and medicinal properties. Bitter gourd is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and digestive aid. Pavakkai Pitlai holds cultural significance as it is commonly prepared during festive occasions and family gatherings.
Ingredients Required
Items and Quantity Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter Gourd (Pavakkai) | 250 grams | 30 |
| Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea) | 1/2 cup | 20 |
| Tamarind | Small lemon size | 5 |
| Grated Coconut | 1/4 cup | 10 |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp | 2 |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Coriander Seeds | 1 tbsp | 3 |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Urad Dal | 1 tsp | 3 |
| Chana Dal | 1 tsp | 3 |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 | 3 |
| Curry Leaves | Few sprigs | 2 |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch | 1 |
| Oil | 2 tbsp | 5 |
| Salt | To taste | 2 |
| Water | As required | – |
Total Estimated Cost: INR 95
Utensils Needed
| Utensil | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pressure Cooker | 1 |
| Kadai (Wok) | 1 |
| Stirring Spoon | 1 |
| Grinder/Mixer | 1 |
| Bowl | 2 |
Cooking Temperature Details
Cook the pitlai on medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Quantity per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20 grams |
| Fat | 3 grams |
| Fiber | 8 grams |
| Vitamin C | 20% of RDI |
| Iron | 10% of RDI |
Cooking and Preparation Time
| Task | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
Cooking Procedure Overview
Pavakkai Pitlai involves cooking bitter gourd and toor dal separately, preparing a spice paste, and then combining everything to achieve a flavorful curry.
Detailed Step-by-Step Cooking Procedure
- Prepare Bitter Gourd:
- Wash and slice the bitter gourd into thin pieces.
- Soak in salted water for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Toor Dal:
- Rinse toor dal and pressure cook with turmeric powder and water until soft. Set aside.
- Make Spice Paste:
- Heat a little oil in a kadai. Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal, dry red chilies, and sauté until golden brown.
- Grind the roasted spices with grated coconut and a little water to make a smooth paste.
- Cook Bitter Gourd:
- Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add asafoetida and curry leaves.
- Add sliced bitter gourd and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add tamarind extract, red chili powder, salt, and water. Cook until the bitter gourd is tender.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked toor dal and spice paste to the kadai.
- Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes until the flavors blend together.
- Adjust consistency with water if needed. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Final Touches:
- Check seasoning and adjust salt as needed.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Adjust the amount of tamarind and chili to suit your taste.
- Adding a bit of jaggery can balance the bitterness of the gourd.
Serving Procedure
Serve Pavakkai Pitlai hot with steamed rice. Top with a spoonful of ghee for added flavor.
Serving Decoration Ideas
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve in a traditional clay pot for an authentic touch.
Best Combined With
Pair Pavakkai Pitlai with steamed rice, papadam, and a side of poriyal (vegetable stir-fry).
Should Not Be Combined With
Avoid pairing with overly spicy or sour dishes as it may overpower the balanced flavors of the pitlai.
Eating Process
Mix the pitlai with rice and enjoy with sides like papadam and pickles for a complete meal.
Recipe Health Tips
- Use minimal oil to keep the dish light.
- Incorporate more vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.
Recipe Health Benefits
- Bitter gourd helps in regulating blood sugar levels.
- High fiber content aids in digestion.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Recipe Health Warnings
- Excessive consumption of bitter gourd can cause stomach discomfort.
- Moderation is key, especially for those with low blood pressure.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pitlai in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for best taste and freshness.
Things to Know
- Fresh bitter gourd is better than frozen or canned for this recipe.
- Adjust the bitterness by soaking the gourd in salted water longer if needed.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other dals instead of toor dal? A: While toor dal is traditional, you can use moong dal for a different texture.
Q: How do I reduce the bitterness of the gourd? A: Soaking sliced bitter gourd in salted water helps reduce its bitterness.
Q: Is Pavakkai Pitlai gluten-free? A: Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I prepare the spice paste in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare and store the spice paste in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Pavakkai Pitlai is a nutritious and flavorful South Indian dish that offers a wonderful way to incorporate the health benefits of bitter gourd into your diet. Follow this detailed recipe and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal with your family.
