Can I skip pressure-cooking bitter gourd?
Yes, it is optional but I prefer doing this as it saves time.
Can I make it without onion and garlic thokku
Yes but garlic and onion give an amazing taste to the thokku so I would recommend that
Can I reduce tomatoes?
If you are planning to store thokku for a long time reduce tomatoes and increase tamarind.
Can I skip tomatoes?
Yes, I like the soreness from tomatoes hence I have used them. If you are skipping tomatoes adjust the tamarind accordingly. Pulikaichal, puli aval, instant puli sadam are some of my tamarind-based dishes
How to serve pavakka thokku?
You can serve it as a rice accompaniment. It also tastes good as a side for curd rice and tiffin varieties
Can I use store-bought tamarind paste?
For this recipe, I have used homemade tamarind paste. Instead, you can soak small lemon-sized tamarind, extract tamarind water and prepare kuzhambu. If you are using store-bought tamarind paste, adjust the quantity according to its soreness. If you are soaking tamarind, add extra water and boil till the raw smell goes off
The shelf life of puli kuzhambu
puli based Kuzhambu variety generally stays good for Up to 1 week in the fridge
What should be the consistency of the kuzhambu?
In our home, we prefer thick pavakkai kulambu. You can adjust the water according to your desired consistency. Kuzhambu generally thickens over time but if you think kuzhambu is runny make a slurry with kuzhambu and rice flour and add it to the kuzhambu . Tamarind based Kuzhambu Kuzhambu varieties without tamarind
Ingredients:
Pressure cook
1 bitter gourd Pinch of turmeric powder Required salt
Kuzhambu
1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds fenugreek seeds few 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds Curry leaves few 1 green chilli 6 big Garlic, thinly sliced 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 1/2 tbsp sambar powder 2 tablespoon tamarind paste, homemade 1 + 1/4 cup of water 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder Required salt jaggery little
How to make pavakkai thokku with step-by-step pictures
First pressure-cook bitter gourd, turmeric powder, and salt for 3 whistles
add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and when the oil is hot
Furthermore, Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and cumin seeds; saute and let them splutter
add curry leaves and green chilli; mix well and roast
Furthermore, Add garlic and saute for 15 seconds
add chopped onions and sauté till onions turn translucent
Furthermore, Add cooked pavakkai; saute for 3 minutes
add tomatoes and give a quick mix
Furthermore, add salt and turmeric powder; mix well and saute till tomatoes turn mushy
Add sambar powder, and saute for two minutes
Furthermore, Add tamarind paste and give a quick mix
add water and boil for 10 minutes
Finally, add jaggery and sesame oil; cook till thokku comes to your desired thickness
