Delicious Karela Sabzi: A Simple, Bitter Gourd Recipe
35 minutes
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About Delicious Karela Sabzi: A Simple, Bitter Gourd Recipe
Conquer the bitterness and unlock the deliciousness of karela (bitter gourd) with this family recipe! Passed down from my late mother, this Karela Sabzi is a testament to transforming a sometimes-challenging vegetable into a truly enjoyable dish. Even those who typically shy away from bitter gourd will find themselves pleasantly surprised.This recipe balances the bitterness of the karela with warming spices and flavorful aromatics, creating a side dish that's perfect alongside roti or rice. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to make this incredibly tasty and healthy vegetable.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium Bitter Gourd karela
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 1 medium Tomato finely chopped
- 1 Chili finely chopped (adjust to taste), green
Spices
- 1-2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Chili Powder red
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala adds depth of flavor, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Bitter Gourd
- Deseed the bitter gourds and slice them lengthwise. Soak the slices in salted water for at least 30 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain well and pat dry.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Spices
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Stir in the green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Karela
- Add the drained bitter gourd slices to the pan. Stir well to coat with the spice mixture. Add 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan, and simmer until the karela is tender but not mushy, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust water as needed.
Finish and Serve
- Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with roti, rice, or naan.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Karela Sabzi
- Soaking the bitter gourd in salted water is crucial for reducing bitterness. The longer it soaks, the less bitter it will be.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when sautéing the onions and tomatoes; this can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more green chilies or red chili powder to your liking.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of lime juice at the end.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 39kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.05gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 627mgPotassium: 297mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 513IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 0.5mg
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Perfect dish! Can’t wait to cook it.
Great recipe! I’m eager to try it.
Such a flavorful dish! Can’t wait to taste it.
I’m eager to make this recipe!