Aloo Karela Sabzi: Bitter Melon and Potato Stir-Fry
45 minutes
793 reads

About Aloo Karela Sabzi: Bitter Melon and Potato Stir-Fry
Savor the surprisingly delicious blend of bitter and savory in this Aloo Karela Sabzi. Imagine tender potatoes and karela (bitter melon) stir-fried to perfection with fragrant Indian spices.This simple dish transforms ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. The aromatic spices create a depth of flavor that complements both the potatoes and the distinctive karela.Enjoy this healthy and flavorful Aloo Karela Sabzi with warm roti or fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
Produce
- 150 gm Bitter Melons karela
- 100 gm Potato
- 100 gm Onion
- 3 Chilies green
- 1 Tbsp Ginger chopped
Spices and Oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 4 Tbsp Mustard Oil
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/2 Tbsp Cumin Seeds
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, onion, and bitter melon. Finely chop the green chilies and ginger.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced bitter melon with salt. Boil for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Rinse under cold water and set aside. This step helps to mellow the strong flavor of the bitter melon.
- Heat mustard oil in a pan or kadhai. Add cumin seeds. Once they sizzle, add chopped green chilies and ginger. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent and lightly golden. This builds a flavor base for the dish.
- Add the potatoes and fry until they start to brown. This adds a pleasant texture to the final dish.
- Stir in the turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly. Adding spices at this stage allows them to bloom and release their full flavor.
- Add the parboiled bitter melon to the pan. Mix gently. Cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and bitter melon are tender.
- Serve the Aloo Karela Sabzi hot with chapati or rice.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Peel the bittergourd and remove the seeds before boiling to reduce bitterness.
- Sprinkle sliced bitter gourd with salt and let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture before cooking to mellow the flavors.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder) or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking.
- For a crispier texture, fry the karela slices separately until lightly golden before combining them with other ingredients.
- Leftover sabzi can be used as a filling for parathas or sandwiches.
Expert Tips
- Balance the bitterness of the bitter gourd by adding a touch of sweetness, such as a pinch of jaggery or a few chopped dates.
- If you're short on time, you can parboil the bitter gourd instead of fully boiling it to reduce some of the bitterness while maintaining a firmer texture.
- Experiment with different spices to complement the bitter gourd, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover bitter gourd sabzi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 28gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16.8gSodium: 1710mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
3 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.




This is so inspiring! Can’t wait to cook it.
I’m loving this recipe already!
This looks so good! Can’t wait to cook it.