KAIPAKKA / PAVAKKA /BITTER GOURD CURRY

Bitter Gourd Curry | Kaipakka Curry | Pavakka Curry – Kerala Style

Kerala-style Pavakka Curry (Kaipakka Curry) made with coconut, spices, and tamarind. A healthy, traditional bitter gourd recipe perfect with rice.

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🥘 Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (Pavakka / Kaipakka) – 2 medium (sliced thin)

• Grated coconut – 1 cup

• Green chilies – 3–4

• Dried red chilies – 2

• Shallots – 6–8

• Garlic – 3 cloves

• Curry leaves – 2 sprigs

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Tamarind – small lemon-sized ball (soaked in ½ cup warm water)

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Coconut oil – 2 tbsp

• Salt – as needed

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🍳 Preparation Method

1. Prep Bitter Gourd

   • Wash and thinly slice pavakka.

   • Rub with salt and a little turmeric, keep aside for 10 mins.

   • Rinse to reduce bitterness (optional).

2. Cook Pavakka

   • Heat coconut oil in a pan.

   • Splutter mustard seeds, add curry leaves and dry red chilies.

   • Add pavakka slices and sauté until slightly browned.

3. Grind Masala

   • Grind grated coconut, shallots, garlic, green chilies, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder into a smooth paste with little water.

4. Make Curry

   • Add ground paste to the sautéed pavakka.

   • Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.

   • Add tamarind water and adjust salt.

   • Simmer on low flame until curry thickens and oil starts separating.

5. Finish

   • Drizzle a spoon of coconut oil and add fresh curry leaves before turning off the flame.

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🌿 Serving Suggestion

Serve hot with Kerala matta rice or steamed rice, along with thoran or papadam.

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📌 Labels / Tags

Kerala Recipes, Pavakka Recipes, Kaipakka Curry, Bitter Gourd Recipes, Kerala Curry, Coconut Curry, Traditional Kerala Food, Healthy Curry