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

IngredientQuantityEstimated Cost (INR)
Bitter Gourd (Pavakkai)250 grams30
Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea)1/2 cup20
TamarindSmall lemon size5
Grated Coconut1/4 cup10
Turmeric Powder1/2 tsp2
Red Chili Powder1 tsp2
Coriander Seeds1 tbsp3
Cumin Seeds1 tsp2
Urad Dal1 tsp3
Chana Dal1 tsp3
Dry Red Chilies23
Curry LeavesFew sprigs2
Mustard Seeds1 tsp2
Asafoetida (Hing)A pinch1
Oil2 tbsp5
SaltTo taste2
WaterAs required

Total Estimated Cost: INR 95

Utensils Needed

UtensilQuantity
Pressure Cooker1
Kadai (Wok)1
Stirring Spoon1
Grinder/Mixer1
Bowl2

Cooking Temperature Details

Cook the pitlai on medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Nutritional Information

NutrientQuantity per Serving
Calories140
Protein6 grams
Carbohydrates20 grams
Fat3 grams
Fiber8 grams
Vitamin C20% of RDI
Iron10% of RDI

Cooking and Preparation Time

TaskTime Required
Preparation15 minutes
Cooking30 minutes
Total Time45 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

  1. 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.
  2. Cook Toor Dal:
    • Rinse toor dal and pressure cook with turmeric powder and water until soft. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

 

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