Kerala Recipes

Vatha Kozhambu is a Spicy Gravy which has a sweet and sour taste. It goes well with steamed rice. Here is the recipe for making Vatha Kozhambu with Bitter Gourd.

Pavakka Vatha Kozhambu

Ingredients

1. Bitter Gourd (Pavakka or Kaipakka) – 1 large (sliced into thin pieces)
2. Onion – 2 large (sliced)
3. Tamarind – a small lemon sized ball
4. Oil – 2 tbsp
5. Water – 3 cups
6. Sambar powder – 3 tbsp
7. Chilly Powder – 1 tsp
8. Salt – to taste
9. Grated Jaggery (Sharkkara) – 3 tbsp
10. Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
11. Uzhunnu Parippu (Urad dal) – 1 tsp
12. Tuvara Parippu (Toor dal) – 1 tsp
13. Kayam (Asafoetida powder) – A pinch
14. Coriander leaves/Cilantro – A few
15. Curry leaves – A sprig
16. Rice flour – 1 tsp (optional)

Preparation Method

1. If you want to reduce the bitter taste of Pavakka, rub some salt to the sliced pieces and squeeze out the juice before cooking.
2. Soak tamarind in 2 cups of hot water and squeeze out the juice.
3. Take a pan and heat oil. Splutter mustard seeds, urad dal and toor dal.
4. Add the sliced onions and saute till translucent.
5. Next add the bitter gourd pieces and curry leaves along with salt and saute.
6. Keep the pan covered and cook on low flame for around 8-10 minutes till the bitter gourd pieces are tender.
7. Next, add 3 tbsp sambar powder and 1 tsp chilly powder and fry for a minute.
8. Add the tamarind juice and 1 cup of water and bring it to boil, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
9. Add jaggery and let it boil for another 5 minutes. Add more water if necessary.
10. If you need to thicken the kozhambu, mix 1 tsp rice flour in 2 tbsp water and add it to the kozhambu and cook for another 5 minutes.
11. Finally add coriander leaves and sprinkle some kayam.

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