Pineapple Pachadi (Kerala Sweet‑Sour Coconut Yogurt Curry)

Pineapple Pachadi (Kerala Sweet‑Sour Coconut Yogurt Curry) is a easy Indian (Kerala) recipe that serves 4. 190 calories per serving.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $3.43 total, $0.86 per serving

Ingredients

  • 250 g Pineapple (peeled and cut into small bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 cup Yogurt (plain, not overly sour; full‑fat preferred)
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Jaggery (or 1.5 tbsp sugar if jaggery unavailable)
  • 1.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 cup Water
  • 1 cup Grated Coconut (freshly grated or frozen, unsweetened)
  • 1 piece Green Chili (adjust heat to preference)
  • 2 pinch Mustard Seeds
  • 2 pinch Cumin Seeds
  • 1.5 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • 2 pieces Dried Red Chili
  • 5 pieces Curry Leaves (fresh)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pineapple

    Peel the pineapple and cut it into small bite‑size pieces, totaling about 250 g.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Mix Yogurt Base

    In a mixing bowl combine the pineapple pieces, 1 cup yogurt, 0.5 tsp turmeric, 0.25 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp jaggery (or 1.5 tbsp sugar), 1.5 tsp salt and 0.5 cup water. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cook Pineapple Mixture

    Transfer the mixture to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then simmer for 5–6 minutes until the pineapple softens and the liquid reduces about half.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Prepare Coconut Paste

    In a blender, combine 1 cup grated coconut, 1 green chili, 2 pinch mustard seeds, 2 pinch cumin seeds and a splash of water. Blend to a smooth paste.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Add Coconut Paste

    Stir the coconut paste into the simmering pineapple mixture and cook for another 2 minutes, mixing well.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Temper (Tadka)

    In a small pan heat 1.5 tbsp ghee over medium heat. Add 0.5 tsp mustard seeds; when they start to pop, add 2 dried red chilies and a few fresh curry leaves. Fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Combine Tempering

    Pour the hot tempering over the pachadi, stir gently to blend the flavors.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Rest

    Turn off the heat, cover the pan and let the pachadi rest for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT30M

  9. Serve

    Serve the pineapple pachadi as a side dish with sadhya, rice, or any Indian meal.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
190
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑free, Contains dairy, Contains tree nuts

Allergens: Dairy (yogurt), Tree nut (coconut), Mustard

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Pineapple Pachadi (Kerala Sweet‑Sour Coconut Yogurt Curry)

A tangy‑sweet Kerala side dish made with fresh pineapple, yogurt, grated coconut and aromatic spices. Perfect for sadhya feasts or as a refreshing accompaniment to any Indian meal.

EasyIndian (Kerala)Serves 4

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Source Video
44m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 4m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.43
Total cost
$0.86
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the pineapple mixture until softened (Step 3).
  • Preparing the tempering without burning the mustard seeds (Step 6).
  • Allowing the pachadi to rest for flavor development (Step 8).

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and ghee with care to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the tempering pan unattended; mustard seeds can scorch quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pineapple Pachadi in Kerala cuisine?

A

Pineapple Pachadi is a traditional Kerala side dish served during sadhya feasts and festive occasions. It balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, reflecting the region’s love for harmonious taste profiles and the use of locally available fruits and coconut.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pineapple Pachadi within Kerala cuisine?

A

In coastal districts, the pachadi may include a splash of coconut milk, while inland versions often rely solely on yogurt and grated coconut. Some families add roasted cumin powder for extra aroma, but the core ingredients—pineapple, yogurt, coconut, and mustard tempering—remain consistent.

cultural
Q

How is Pineapple Pachadi authentically served in a Kerala sadhya?

A

It is typically placed on a banana leaf alongside rice, parippu (lentil curry), avial, and other dishes. The pachadi can be eaten warm or at room temperature, and a small spoonful is taken with rice to enjoy its sweet‑sour contrast.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is Pineapple Pachadi traditionally prepared in Kerala culture?

A

Pineapple Pachadi is a staple in Onam sadhya, Vishu feasts, and temple festivals. Its bright flavor complements the elaborate spread of dishes served during these celebrations.

cultural
Q

How does Pineapple Pachadi fit into the broader Kerala cuisine tradition?

A

Kerala cuisine emphasizes the use of coconut, yogurt, and spices. Pineapple Pachadi showcases these staples while highlighting the region’s penchant for combining fruit with savory elements, a hallmark of many Kerala side dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pineapple Pachadi versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh pineapple, plain yogurt, grated coconut, mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, jaggery, and curry leaves. Acceptable substitutes are Greek yogurt for a thicker base, sugar for jaggery, and vegetable oil instead of ghee, though flavor may vary slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Kerala dishes pair well with Pineapple Pachadi?

A

Pineapple Pachadi pairs beautifully with steamed rice, parippu (dal), avial (mixed vegetable coconut stew), thoran (stir‑fried vegetables), and banana chips. Its sweet‑sour profile also complements rich dishes like Kerala fish curry.

cultural
Q

What makes Pineapple Pachadi special or unique in Kerala cuisine?

A

Its unique blend of sweet pineapple, tangy yogurt, and aromatic coconut creates a refreshing contrast to the typically spicy and coconut‑rich main dishes. The tempering of mustard and curry leaves adds a distinctive South Indian flavor punch.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pineapple Pachadi?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the pineapple, which makes it mushy; adding tempering to boiling yogurt, causing curdling; and using overly sour yogurt, which overwhelms the dish’s balance. Follow the timing and temperature guidelines to prevent these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this Pineapple Pachadi recipe use a mustard‑seed tempering instead of a plain oil finish?

A

The mustard‑seed tempering (tadka) adds a burst of aroma and a subtle pungency that complements the sweet and sour notes. It also provides the characteristic Kerala flavor that plain oil cannot deliver.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on simple, home‑cooked Indian recipes, especially Kerala festive dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize traditional flavors and easy techniques for everyday cooks.

channel

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