Pavakkai Gothsu | Bitter Gourd Curry Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Recipe

Hi Supermoms,

There are so many versions of  a 'Gothsu'. 

" Gothsu/Gojju/Gostu are different names by which this sweet, spicy and tangy gravy is called in different parts of South India. In today's Gothsu, there is another taste that is added to the flavours of a typical gothsu.  

Yes, you guessed it right - The  'bitter' taste.

There is an amazing burst of flavours in this curry recipe. You can roast and grind fresh spice paste using coconut, channa dal , urad dal , dry red chillies , jeera and sesame seeds and make a  authentic Karnataka style Gojju . 

When I sliced the bitter gourd and soaked them in lemon juice , my idea was to cook the   Karnataka way. But, I realised that I did not have coconut and also wanted to finish my cooking quickly. So, skipped the roasting and grinding part and made a quick version of a gothsu. 

Since I did not add any dal , I added one teaspoon of rice flour to thicken the gravy.  Soaking the bitter gourd in the juice of one lemon and half teaspoon turmeric powder for half an hour and then washing it well , will help reduce the bitterness . 

According to Ayurveda, 'Tiktha' ( Bitter Taste) helps reduce the Kapha Dosha. In simple terms, it helps in weight control. This Gothsu, has all the flavours present which is a rare combination. 

A quick to make weekday curry recipe, that can be paired with paruppu sadam ( Dal rice) or can be served with flatbreads /rotis/chapathis .

Pavakkai Gothsu | Bitter Gourd Curry Recipe :

Preparation time : 30 minutes

Cooking time : 20-25 minutes

Serves : 4-6

1 cup = 250 ml cup

Ingredients :

2 medium size bitter gourds ( de seeded and sliced thin)

1 onion ( finely chopped)

2 tomatoes ( grated/pureed)

2 garlic cloves ( mashed roughly using a mortar and pestle )

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chilli powder ( adjust)

1/2 teaspoon dhania powder/coriander powder

1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder 

2 teaspoons thick tamarind paste or lemon size tamarind ( soak in warm water and extract the juice)

1 teaspoon powdered jaggery ( adjust)

1 teaspoon rice flour ( optional)

salt to taste 

To temper :

2 teaspoons coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds 

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds/jeera

3-4 curry leaves 

pinch of asafoetida

Method :

1. In a wide pan or kadai , add onion, bitter gourd, tomato puree', mashed garlic , turmeric powder, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and salt.

2. Mix well , cover and allow the vegetables to cook for 3-4 minutes over low flame. 

3. Add the tamarind juice .

Chef tip : If you are using the store bought tamarind pulp, dilute it with 1 cup water. 

4.Add jaggery and allow the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. 

Chef tip : Add water accordingly. 

5. If the gravy is watery, you can add 1 teaspoon rice flour with 2 teaspoons water, mix well and add it to the gothsu.

6. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes and switch off.

7. Heat oil and temper with ingredients given for the same. 

8. Pour it over the gothsu and mix well. 

You spicy, sweet, sour and bitter Pavakkai Gothsu is now ready to be served. 

Have you tried my favourite Brinjal Gothsu recipe ?

Happy Cooking !

With love,

Masterchefmom