KAIPAKKA/ PAVAKKA/ BITTER GOURD THEEYAL – Kerala Style

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

Authentic Kerala-style Pavakka Theeyal (Bitter Gourd Curry) with roasted coconut, spices, and tamarind. A flavorful, traditional recipe best paired with Kerala matta rice.

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🥘 Ingredients

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

• Grated coconut – 1 ½ cups

• Shallots – 8–10

• Garlic – 3–4 cloves

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

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 ½ tsp

• Coriander powder – 2 tsp

• Fenugreek seeds – ¼ tsp

• Curry leaves – 2 sprigs

• Coconut oil – 2 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Dried red chilies – 2

• Salt – as required

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🍳 Preparation Method

1. Prepare Bitter Gourd

   • Wash and thinly slice pavakka.

   • Rub with salt and keep aside for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then rinse.

2. Roast Coconut Masala

   • Heat a pan, add 1 tbsp coconut oil.

   • Roast grated coconut on medium flame until golden brown.

   • Add shallots, garlic, curry leaves, fenugreek, and continue roasting until deep brown.

   • Add turmeric, red chili, and coriander powders. Mix well.

   • Switch off flame and let it cool.

   • Grind into a smooth paste with little water.

3. Cook Pavakka

   • In a clay pot (chatti), heat 1 tbsp coconut oil.

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

   • Add sliced pavakka, sauté until half cooked.

4. Make Theeyal

   • Add ground roasted coconut paste to pavakka.

   • Pour in tamarind water, add salt, and mix well.

   • Simmer on low flame until oil separates and curry thickens.

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🌿 Serving Suggestion

Pavakka Theeyal tastes best with Kerala matta rice, thoran, and pappadam. It also pairs well with dosa or chapathi.

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📌 Labels / Tags

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