Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/18 checked
4
servings
0.5 cup

Sweet Potatoes

diced

0.25 cup

Onion

thinly sliced

1 tbsp

Dry coconut (kopra)

grated

1 cup

Karela (Bitter Gourd/ Pavakkai)

chopped

1 unit

Tamarind

soaked

4 unit

Dry Red Chillies

whole

2 tbsp

Sesame (Gingelly) Oil

1 tbsp

Raw Peanuts (Moongphali)

1 tsp

Turmeric powder (Haldi)

1.5 tbsp

Sambar Powder

1 tsp

Coriander Powder (Dhania)

1 tsp

Salt

1 tsp

Mustard seeds

2 tsp

Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds)

2 tsp

Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal)

0.25 tsp

Asafoetida (hing)

10 unit

Curry leaves

fresh

1.5 cup

Water

Step 1
~6 min

Soak tamarind in water and squeeze to extract the juice.

Step 2
~6 min

Heat oil in a wok/kadai or clay pot.

Step 3
~6 min

Temper with mustard seeds, bengal gram, methi seeds, peanuts, red chili, and dry coconut.

Step 4
~6 min

Add sliced onions and fry until translucent.

Step 5
~6 min

Add sweet potato and fry until half cooked.

Step 6
~6 min

Add chopped bitter gourd pieces and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 7
~6 min

Add curry leaves, salt, turmeric powder, sambar powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.

Step 8
~6 min

Add tamarind water and cook until the mix thickens.

Step 9
~6 min

Switch off the heat and serve.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Roast the sweet potato and bitter gourd before adding to the kulambu for a deeper flavor.

Adjust the amount of tamarind according to your taste preference.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 mins

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice

Serve with Indian flatbreads (roti/chapati)

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Raita
Papad
Chow Chow Thoran
Elai Vadam

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

South India

Cultural Significance

A staple in South Indian cuisine, often made during special occasions and everyday meals.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Ugadi
Diwali
Pongal

Occasion Tags

Weekday Meal
Family Dinner
Vegetarian Lunch

Popularity Score

65/100

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