In Indian cooking, karela sabzi, also known as bitter gourd curry, is a popular dish. The dish is prepared with bitter gourd, also known as karela, a bitter-tasting vegetable. Despite its bitter taste, karela is popular in Indian cooking due to its numerous health advantages.
To prepare karela sabzi, first, slice the vegetable and soak it in salt water to minimize its bitterness. The dish is then seasoned with cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. We also add onions, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste, to improve the flavor of the dish.
Karela sabzi goes well with roti or rice as a side meal. It is a filling and nutritious meal. Vitamins and minerals abound, including vitamins C, A, calcium, and iron. Karela is also thought to have medicinal qualities and is used in traditional Indian medicine to manage diabetes, liver problems, and skin infections.
Karela ki sabzi is a traditional Indian dish made from bitter gourd or karela. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients for karela sabzi
- 2-3 medium-sized bitter gourds
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
Instruction for karela sabzi
- After carefully washing the bitter gourds, slice them into thin rounds.
- Allow the sliced bitter gourds to rest for 10-15 minutes after being sprinkled with salt. This will assist in reducing their resentment.
- In a skillet, heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. Allow the cumin seeds to sputter.
- Fry the chopped onions until they are golden brown.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes after adding the ginger-garlic mixture.
- Cook until the diced tomatoes are soft.
- To the skillet, add coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Combine thoroughly.
- Mix in the chopped bitter gourd with the masala in the pan.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat, or until the bitter gourd is cooked through.
- Serve hot with roti or rice and garnished with fresh coriander fronds. Enjoy!
Serving suggestion for karela ki sabji
- Serve karela sabzi with steamed rice, dal, and a salad on the side for a wholesome and nutritious meal.
- Pair karela sabzi with Indian flatbreads such as roti, naan, or paratha for a delicious and filling meal.
- Serve karela sabzi as a side dish with a spicy curry or gravy dish such as chicken curry or paneer butter masala.
- Add karela sabzi to a bowl of hot steamed rice and drizzle some ghee or clarified butter over it for a comforting and hearty meal.
Tips and variation
- To minimize bitterness, soak the sliced karela in salt water for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Sprinkle some sugar or jaggery over the sliced karela while boiling to make the karela sabzi less bitter.
- To improve the flavour of the dish, use fresh and ripe tomatoes.
- To lessen the bitterness of karela, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering (tadka).
- To give the meal a nutty and crunchy texture, add some shredded coconut or roasted peanuts.
- Overcooking the karela will cause it to become mushy and loose its flavour. Cook until it is barely soft.
- If you want a crispy texture, pan fry the sliced karela before adding it to the dish.
FAQs
1 Is karela sabzi healthy?
Yes, karela sabzi is a healthy dish as it is made with bitter gourd, which is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Karela is also known for its medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, liver problems, and skin infections.
2 How to reduce the bitterness of karela?
To reduce the bitterness of karela, soak the sliced karela in salt water for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking. You can also sprinkle some sugar or jaggery over the karela while cooking to reduce its bitterness.
3 Can karela sabzi be made without onion and garlic?
Yes, karela sabzi can be made without onion and garlic. You can use other flavoring agents such as ginger, green chilies, and garam masala to enhance the flavor of the dish.
4 What are some variations of karela sabzi?
Some variations of karela sabzi include stuffed karela, karela fry, karela chips, and karela pickle. These dishes are made with bitter gourd and a variety of spices and flavoring agents.
In Conclusion
Karela Sabji is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and health benefits. By embracing the bitterness and skillfully using spices, you can create a dish that will mesmerize your taste buds and impress anyone who takes a bite. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor this unique and delightful Indian culinary masterpiece
Nutrition
| Calories | 14 cal |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Sodium | 403 mg |
| Potassium | 133 mg |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 537 IU |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Iron | 1 g |
| Zinc | 1 mg |
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