Paarikyaai Poolikootakari Bitter Gourd Side Dish

Discover the bold and tangy flavors of Paarikyaai Poolikootakari, a traditional South Indian bitter gourd side dish that perfectly balances bitterness with a harmonious blend of spices. This dish features tender slices of bitter gourd simmered in a tamarind-infused gravy, enhanced with a roasted coconut and spice paste made from dry red chilies, coriander, and cumin seeds. A touch of jaggery is optional to mellow the bitter undertones, while curry leaves and asafoetida infuse a fragrant aroma. Ideal as a robust accompaniment to steamed rice or Indian flatbreads, this recipe is a flavorful way to enjoy the health benefits of bitter gourd. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a must-try for lovers of authentic South Indian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized Bitter gourd (Paarikyaai)
• 2 tablespoons Tamarind (pulp)
• 3 tablespoons Grated coconut
• 3 pieces Dry red chilies
• 1 teaspoon Coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 0.25 teaspoons Asafoetida (hing)
• 1 sprig Curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon Jaggery (optional)
• 1 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Wash and slice the bitter gourd into thin rounds. Remove the seeds if they are too hard.

Step 2

In a pan, dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and red chilies for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Allow to cool and then grind with grated coconut into a coarse paste, adding a little water if needed.

Step 3

Soak the tamarind in 1/4 cup of warm water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.

Step 5

Add asafoetida and curry leaves, stirring for a few seconds.

Step 6

Lower the heat and add the sliced bitter gourd. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften and begin to brown slightly.

Step 7

Add turmeric powder, salt, and the prepared tamarind pulp. Mix well.

Step 8

Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the bitter gourd is fully cooked.

Step 9

Add the prepared coconut and spice paste to the pan. Mix thoroughly and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 10

If desired, add jaggery to balance the bitterness and stir well.

Step 11

Turn off the heat and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian flatbreads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(340.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	439.0

Total Fat 35.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2389.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 32.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g	0%
Total Sugars 17.2g
Protein 3.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 119.2mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 438.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.3%

Protein: 3.1%

Carbs: 27.6%