Athalakkai Poriyal (Momordica cymbalaria)

Athalakkai Poriyal(Momordica cymbalaria) is simple a stir fry recipe to make in a few mins. Athalakkai belongs to the bitter gourd family. But, it tastes slightly bitter with pearl seeds inside that will give you the crunchy bite. It is commonly called Athalakkai in Tamil, Kaasara Kaaya in Telugu, Karsikayi in Kannada, and Kattupaval in Malayalam.

Athalakkai Poriyal is my Periamma (Soundaram) recipe. I could remember, I tasted athalakkai fr the very first time during my school’s annual vacation. I don’t eat bitter guard in my childhood days due to the bitterness in it. so, my Periamma bought athalakkai for me. and make this recipe. I couldn’t find the bitterness in it and the pearl seeds inside athalakkai give you a crunchy bite like murukku, which is a different taste. and I tasted it for the first time with curd rice. wow..what a combo !! Till now this is my all-time Combo with athalakkai Fry.

Athalkakai is more popular in Tuticorin, Madurai, Virudunagar, and Sivagangai districts of Tamil Nadu, India. In Madurai, you can find Athalakkai in Madurai Simakkal street vegetable shops. In Sharjah, I couldn’t find athalakkai. Every time, I ask for athalakkai in the Tamil vegetable shop. The shopman doesn’t know about athalakkai. During this vacation trip to India. I got fresh athalakkai from the market. Suddenly, I make this recipe and posted it for you all. Athalakkai has more medicinal benefits.

By using Athalakkai, we can make different recipes Curry, Sun-Dried Vathal, and Stir fry. Soon, I will post all the recipes.

You can have it with Plain rice – SIMPLE DAL FRY combo, Simple Curd rice with Athalakkai Fry / Karsikayi stir fry is an excellent combination.

Medicinal benefits of Athalakkai :

Athalakkai has many medicinal and nutritional benefits. Traditionally, athalakkai is mainly used for medicinal values. It is mainly used to reduce high diabetics and used to treat Jaundice, Stomach ulcers, Cancer, cardiac problems, Heal wounds and Infertility. It has a high amount of Vitamin C, Fiber. Rich in antioxidants.

Athalakkai Poriyal(Momordica cymbalaria)is a little bitter yet tasty and healthy to add to our meal.

Similar Vegetable Priyal Recipes :

VAZHAKKAI PORIYAL / RAW BANANA FRY – WEDDING STYLE

LADIES FINGER FRY/ VENDAKAI PORIYAL/ BHINDI FRY RECIPE

SENAI KILANGU FRY RECIPE |YAM FRY RECIPE

SNAKE GUARD FRY/ PUDALANGAI FRY RECIPE

VAAZHAIPOO PARUPU PORIYAL / BANANA BLOSSOMS DAL STIR FRY

Step by step pictorial method to make Athalakkai Poriyal(Momordica cymbalaria) :

Wash the Athalakkai twice in the running water. Then, cut both ends of the athalakkai in your hands. Keep it aside.

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Take a pan, add 2 tsp of cooking oil, 1 tsp of mustard &urad dal, 1 tsp cumin seeds, strig of curry leaves.

Once the mustard seeds splutter, add the chopped small onions, asafoetida, salt, and saute well until the onion becomes glassy.

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Add the cleaned Athalakkai, 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder, and give a mix. then, sprinkle 1/4 cup of water and cover it with a lid and cook for about 5 min.

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After 5 min, add 2 tsp of chili powder. Mix and cook well for 5 more min until the raw masala smell goes.

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Yummy! Athalakkai stir fry / Kattupaval stir fry is ready to serve. Best to have it with Plain rice, SIMPLE DAL FRY, and simple Curd rice.

Bonus Tips:

1) To reduce the bitterness, you can add more onion.

2) Sprinkle some water on Athalakkai and cook on low flame. You will get a perfect stir fry.

If you try this Athalakkai Poriyal(Momordica cymbalaria) recipe / Kaasara Kaaya stir fry, leave a comment below. Enjoy cooking

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