Pavaikka Pulingari

Pavaikka is nothing but bittergourds in English, Karela in Hindi and pakalkai in Tamil.  The bittergourds are known for their nutritional benefits. They are particularly good for Diabetes and hyper tension. To know more about nutrition and health benefits of bittergourds see here

Ingredients for Pavaikka Pulingari
1 or 2 Pavaikka / Bittergourds
2 tsps tamarind paste
2 green chillies
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 cup fresh grated coconut
a pinch cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard
2 flakes garlic
1/4 tsp chjilli powder
1 tbsp chopped small onions
some curry leaves
salt to taste
2 tsps oil

How to prepare Pavaikka Pulingari
Slit pavaikka / bittergourd lengthwise, remove the pith and the seeds. Cut into 1" pieces and then cut them into thin strips. This should come to about 1 cup.
Take 1/4 cup of water, add tamarind pulp to that and mix well.
Put in pavaikka, in the tamarind water plus the turmeric powder, salt to taste and slit green chillies. Cook till the Pavaikka is tender.
Meanwhile grind grated fresh coconut, cumin seeds, mustard and garlic flakes together to a nice somewhat smooth paste. It should neither be coarse nor be very smooth. The paste should be able to blend with the vegetables to make a thick gravy. When it starts boiling simmer and cover for 3-4 minutes.
Heat oil, add onions and curry leaves, fry till golden and pour over the curry.
Pavaikka Pulingari is ready to serve with rice.

Points to Note:
Everyone may not like bittergourds because they are naturally bitter. But they are very good for our health. We will have to cultivate the taste for bittergourds. Once in a while at least cook bittergourds at home. Let everyone at home get used to thinking about good health.

Other Paavaikka Recipes
Paavaikka Pachadi
Karela Springonion Masala