Spicy Karela Rings with Yogurt: A Healthy Indian Recipe

45 minutes

790 reads

3.50 from 4 votes

About Spicy Karela Rings with Yogurt: A Healthy Indian Recipe

My love for Karela (bitter gourd) is undeniable! Its incredible health benefits—packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber—make it a weekly staple in my kitchen. While its bitterness might be off-putting to some, I've discovered a way to make it truly delicious.
This recipe transforms karela into flavorful rings, simmered in a creamy yogurt sauce with aromatic spices. The slight bitterness is balanced perfectly by the tangy yogurt and the warm spices, creating a unique and satisfying dish.
Prepare to be surprised by how much you'll enjoy this healthy and surprisingly addictive Indian side dish! It's perfect served with roti, chapati, or rice.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Calories214 kcal
Serves4
Served AsDinnerLunch
Recipe TasteBitterSaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Karela

  • Peel the bitter gourd and wash thoroughly with salted water 2-3 times to reduce bitterness. Cut into rings, removing the seeds.

Fry the Karela

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan. Add the karela rings and fry until golden brown. Set aside.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

  • In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well. Add a little water if needed for desired consistency.

Make the Spice Powder

  • Dry roast the coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek seeds in a pan until fragrant. Grind into a coarse powder.

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in the same pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves and sliced onions, sauté until golden brown.

Combine and Simmer

  • Add the fried karela rings to the pan with the onions. Sauté for a minute. Pour in the yogurt mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Finish and Serve

  • Stir in the dry-roasted spice powder. This will add a wonderful earthy flavor. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve hot with roti or rice.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Karela Rings

  • Reduce Bitterness: Soaking the sliced karela in salt water for 15-20 minutes before frying helps draw out excess bitterness.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preferred spice level.
  • Yogurt Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water to the yogurt mixture. For a thicker sauce, use less water or even let it simmer a little longer.
  • Fresh Herbs: For extra freshness and flavor, consider adding finely chopped cilantro (coriander) along with the mint for garnish.

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3.50 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 9gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 45mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 951IUVitamin C: 77mgCalcium: 158mgIron: 3mg

Monika Patel
Monika Patel

Certified Pastry Chef The Bake Box Cakery - A Bakery studio, where sweetness is handcrafted with love for all your happy occasions.

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3.50 from 4 votes

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