Parikkai / Pavakkai Vathal - 100 gms

Product Description: Parikkai Vathal, also commonly known as Pavakkai Vathal (பாகற்காய் வத்தல்), is sun-dried bitter gourd (bitter melon). Small or sliced bitter gourds are typically soaked in a buttermilk and salt solution (sometimes with turmeric or other spices) before being spread out under the sun to dry. This process helps to reduce some of the bitterness and preserves the vegetable, resulting in a crispy product when fried.

Shelf Life and Storage: Properly dried Parikkai/Pavakkai Vathal has a good shelf life, generally lasting for 6 months to a year when stored correctly. It is essential to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from moisture. 

Nutritional Values: Bitter gourd is known for being a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and iron. The drying process concentrates some of these nutrients, although Vitamin C content may decrease. As it's often soaked in a salted solution, the sodium content will be higher in the vathal form. Some sources also mention protein content.

Ideas for Dishes: Parikkai/Pavakkai Vathal is primarily used after being fried until crisp. These crispy chips are a popular side dish for rice varieties like curd rice, sambar rice, and rasam rice. They are also a key ingredient in vathal kuzhambu, where they absorb the tangy and spicy flavors beautifully. Additionally, they can be added to vegetable stir-fries or enjoyed as a crunchy snack. Some even grind the fried vathal into a powder to sprinkle over dishes.