Delicious Karela Sabzi: A Simple, Bitter Gourd Recipe

35 minutes

1059 reads

4.75 from 4 votes

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.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Calories39 kcal
Serves4
Served AsLunch

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

Other

  • 2 tbsp Oil vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup Water or as needed
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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.
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4.75 from 4 votes

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

Anju Bhagnari
Anju Bhagnari
Articles: 140
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4 Comments

4.75 from 4 votes

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