Bitter Gourd Curry / Pavakkai / Pavakka Kuzhambu / Kakarakaya Pulusu

Bitter Gourd is one vegetable which is not popular among the masses mainly because of its bitter taste. Occasionally I have seen a few people like me, who have acquired a taste for this veggie. Several years ago, bitter gourd was part of my lunch not by choice but only when my mother insisted.

Bitter gourd is better known for its medicinal properties, especially in containing Diabetes and several other blood disorders. It is widely believed that it has most properties equivalent to that of insulin.

The bitterness in this vegetable can be reduced to a considerable level by smearing salt and turmeric powder to the sliced pieces for 15 minutes and then washing it thoroughly in water. I exactly followed the VKN’s recipe from ‘MyDhaba’. I remember my mom cooking this pulusu/ kuzhambu without coconut and the amount can be adjusted as required. The taste is much better if the onion paste is made from pearl onions or small onions are used, instead of the big onions.




Click here Bitter Gourd Curry Recipe

Bittergourd Carrot Shallot Thoran / Stir Fry

A common curry from southern India, served as a part of lunch. This is a simple recipe and the coconut and garlic paste is the only masala added.
This recipe has been made with carrot and bittergourd, but if you want to avoid the bitterness of the dish then try it with other vegetable combinations. Carrot with beans, or carrot with potatoes and beans are common combinations for this recipe. For a very simple preparation it is amazingly tasty. Serve it with rice or homemade chapathi.

Click here for Bittergourd Carrot Shallot Thoran / Stir Fry Recipe

Bitter gourd / kakara kaaya / pavakaai stuffed curry

Another unconventional way of making a stuffed curry with bitter gourd (Pavakkai in Tamil). Tastes very good and the pictures are just exotic. While preparing the stuffing,try adding sesame seeds and peanuts which gives a very good flavor and taste. While doing the tadka, try using gingely oil or peanut oil. Enjoy the meal with steamed rice and papad.

Click here for Bitter gourd / kakara kaaya / Pavakkai stuffed curry Recipe

Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is a member of the family cucurbitaceae which include the other vine crops; Oriental pumpkin, hairy melon, Oriental cucumbers, wax gourd, and luffa.

Bitter gourds are native to Southeast Asia and are sometimes called bitter cucumber, bitter melon, karalla, or balsam pear and have only recently found their way into Western kitchens. They are usually pale green in color and resemble a warty cucumber.

Bitter gourd gets its name from the extreme bitter flavor due to the presence of quinine and consuming bitter melon is often an acquired taste.


What to Look for When Purchasing

Choose fruit that are firm. They will be dark green, bright green or white, depending on the variety.


Storage Tips

Bitter gourds will last for up to a week in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.