Bitter Gourd Ada (Paavakka Ada) is a wholesome Kerala snack prepared using finely chopped bitter gourd, blended with spices and coconut. Lightly pan-fried until crisp outside and soft inside, this savoury ada balances mild bitterness with aromatic flavours, making it a nutritious side dish for rice, especially for those who enjoy traditional Kerala tastes with a healthy twist.

Paavakka Ada for rice

Ingredients for Bitter Gourd Ada (Paavakka Ada):

  1. Well-ripened bitter gourd chopped into small pieces – 1 cup
  2. Coconut scraped – 1.5 cups
  3. Curry leaves chopped – 1 big spoon
  4. Bird’s eye chilli (Kanthari) – As required
  5. Shallots – 4 or 5
  6. Tamarind – Gooseberry-sized
  7. Salt – For taste

How to prepare Bitter Gourd Ada (Paavakka Ada)?

  1. Add salt to the bitter gourd and make a fine paste using a mixer.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and grind again.
  3. Spread ada on banana leaf pieces.
  4. Heat a tawa and place the adas on it.
  5. Flip both sides occasionally till ada is well-cooked.
  6. Serve hot.

Note: While choosing bitter gourd for preparing ada, select well-ripened ones with red-coloured seeds so that the ada won’t taste too bitter

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine October 15-31, 2010

Also read: Delicious Bitter Gourd Vinthalu (Paavakka Vinthalu) Recipe

Read a few more Ada recipes here. Click on the images in the gallery to read.

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