Paagarkkaay Curry – Tangy, Spicy & Perfectly Roasted Bitter Gourd Delight

“Turn bitterness into bliss — one crunchy, flavorful spoon at a time!”

Introduction

Paagarkkaay (bitter gourd) might not be everyone’s favorite, but this version will change your mind! With freshly ground curry powder and a touch of tangy tomato, it turns into a crispy, aromatic South Indian side dish that pairs beautifully with rice or rasam.

🌿 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Side Dish

🧂 Ingredients

For Curry Powder

• Chana dal – 2 tbsp
• Coriander seeds – 2 tbsp
• Urad dal – 2 tbsp
• Red chili – 10 to 12
• Fenugreek seeds – 1 tsp

For Curry

• Paagarkkaay (bitter gourd) – 250 g
• Tomato – 1, finely chopped
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Urad dal – 1 tsp
• Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
• Curry leaves – few
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Salt – as needed
• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tsp

🔥 Preparation Steps

Step 1: Soak and Prep the Paagarkkaay

1. Add salt to a bowl of water.
2. Chop paagarkkaay into small pieces and soak in the salt water for 20–30 mins to reduce bitterness.
3. Drain completely and rinse once in running water to remove excess salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Curry Powder

1. Dry roast chana dal, coriander seeds, red chili and urad dal until golden brown.
2. Add fenugreek seeds at the end and saute briefly.
3. Let cool and grind to a coarse powder.

Step 3: Cook the Curry

1. Heat sesame oil in a kadai.
2. Add mustard seeds; when they splutter, add urad dal and hing.
3. Once dal turns golden, add chopped tomato, turmeric, and salt.
4. Mix well, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes.
5. Add drained paagarkkaay pieces, saute well.
6. Add curry powder generously and roast uncovered on medium flame 10–15 minutes.
7. Add curry leaves, mix and spread out evenly for roasting.
8. Switch off flame, add lemon juice, mix, and rest for 5–10 mins.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Serve hot with steamed rice, rasam, or curd rice. Perfectly roasted, mildly bitter, and full of South Indian flavor!

💚 Nutritional Benefits

• Bitter Gourd: Helps regulate blood sugar and supports digestion.
• Sesame Oil: Adds healthy fats and enhances aroma.
• Homemade Curry Powder: Rich in fiber and antioxidants.
• Tomatoes: Add lycopene and freshness.

🧊 Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat on a pan before serving for best roasted texture.

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🎥 Video Tutorial