Pavakkai Pitla

Pavakkai Pitla is a delicious and tangy vegan dish made with bitter gourd and a spiced coconut blend, perfect for a hearty breakfast. This unique South Indian recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (pavakkai) - 200 grams, sliced
• Coconut (fresh, grated) - 50 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Green chilies - 2, slit
• Ginger - 1 inch piece, grated
• Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Oil (coconut or vegetable) - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 200 ml
• Coriander leaves - for garnish

Steps

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then add grated ginger and slit green chilies, cooking for another minute.
3. Stir in the sliced bitter gourd and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add chopped tomato, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the tomato softens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a blender, combine grated coconut with a little water to make a smooth paste.
6. Add the coconut paste to the pan and mix well. Pour in 200 ml of water and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the bitter gourd is cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index.

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