Friday, December 5, 2008

Pavakka Achar (Bittergourd pickle)


When we think about Bitter gourd ahh…it tastes bitter than any thing. But it is the vegetable packed with nutrients and health benefits. It contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, copper, iron, and also vitamins A, b1 and b2. Bitter gourd has many therapeutic properties and so it is widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Research studies have shown that bitter gourd contains hypoglycemic principles in it and thus it helps to lowers the blood sugar levels just like insulin. It is noted to be an effective component in ayurveda herbal medicine, and so it is known to treat the symptoms of rheumatism and gout and ailments of the spleen and liver. Bitter gourd is a blood purifier, activates spleen and liver and is highly beneficial in diabetes. It is useful in reducing hypertension, eye disorder and cough and enhancing digestion, metabolism and immunity. The juice of bitter guard is used for relieving constipation.

Ingredients
Bitter gourd - 3 nos
Chilly powder - 1 tbsp
Garlic pods - 7-8 nos
Ginger - 2" piece (cut finely)
Red Chilly- 10 nos
Green chillies - 7 -8
(cut lengthwise)
Fenugreek - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
GIFT OF GOD BITTER GOURD: Processing and Preservation of Bitter Gourd Pickle
Asafoetida - A pinch
Tamarind juice (concentrate) - 1 tbsp
Vinegar – 1 tbsp
Oil - 5 tbsp
Salt - As reqd
Curry leaves- As reqd

Method of Preparation
  • Cut bitter gourds into thin round pieces and to it add a tbsp of salt and a tbsp of chilly powder. Mix it well and keep it over night.
  • Drain the water and squeeze out the excess water from the bitter gourd and keep it in sun light for a day.
  • Fry fenugreek and red chilly without oil. Grind it and make the masala powder.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Splutter mustard seeds and add curry leaves.
  • Then add green chilly, ginger and garlic.
  • When it gets half fried add the masala. Powder.
  • To it add the bitter gourd pieces and vinegar and mix well.
  • Add salt as required.
  • Finally add Asafoetida and heat till bitter gourd is cooked.
  • Remove from flame.


Ruchi Bitter Gourd Pickle
Bitter Gourd Pickle








Now it’s ready. Eat along with steamed rice.
Mmmmm………what a taste. I am sure that you will like it.

1 comment:

  1. What an idea! Finally you have shown a way to eat bitter, medicinal veggies. Though i tasted pavakka pickle many times, this one ends with different taste. Keep posting new things.

    Bye from Jasmin Priya

    ReplyDelete