Masala Karela Recipe

In the realm of Indian cuisine, few dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort like Masala Karela, a delightful preparation that transforms the often-maligned bitter gourd into a savory side dish that is both nutritious and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for those seeking to explore the bold flavors of Indian cooking while keeping a keen eye on their dietary choices. Rich in fiber and low in calories, bitter gourd (karela) is particularly suitable for diabetic-friendly diets, making this dish not only delicious but also beneficial for health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients

Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this scrumptious dish:

Nutritional Information

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings

• Servings: 6

Course

• Cuisine: Indian
• Course: Side Dish
• Diet: Diabetic Friendly

Instructions

To create the perfect Masala Karela, follow these detailed steps that guide you through each stage of the cooking process:

1. Prepare the Karela:

   • Start by washing the bitter gourds thoroughly and peeling them. Once peeled, slice the karela into circular pieces, ensuring to remove the seeds from the center. This step is crucial as it helps reduce the bitterness of the vegetable.
   • After cutting, sprinkle salt over the karela, mix well, and let it marinate for about 2 hours. This not only helps in softening the karela but also enhances its flavor.

2. Rinse and Dry:

   • After the marination period, rinse the karela pieces under running water to wash off excess salt. Spread the rinsed karela pieces evenly on a plate and allow them to dry.

3. Prepare the Masala:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 10 seconds to release their aromatic flavor.
   • Next, add the finely sliced onion to the pan. Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown, which should take around 5-7 minutes.

4. Spice it Up:

   • Once the onions are golden, add salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Stir the spices into the onions and let them cook for 1 minute to bloom the flavors.

5. Incorporate the Gram Flour:

   • Now, add the gram flour (besan) to the pan and continue to cook the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes. This step helps in developing a rich, thick consistency while adding depth to the dish.

6. Combine with Karela:

   • After cooking the gram flour, introduce the marinated karela pieces into the pan. Stir well to ensure that the karela is evenly coated with the spiced mixture. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the karela to absorb the flavors.

7. Finish with Amchoor:

   • In the final moments of cooking, sprinkle the amchoor powder over the karela mixture. Stir well to combine, and then turn off the heat.

8. Serving Suggestions:

   • Serve the Masala Karela hot as a side dish alongside Lahsun Dal (Garlic Lentils) and freshly made Phulkas (Indian flatbreads) for a delightful meal. This dish can also be paired with rice for a more traditional serving.

Conclusion

Masala Karela is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that exemplifies the heart of Indian cooking. Its unique combination of spices and techniques transforms the humble bitter gourd into a culinary masterpiece that is not only tasty but also incredibly good for your health. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire or simply enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please your palate while nurturing your body.

Enjoy cooking this delightful Masala Karela, and relish the wonderful flavors it brings to your dining table!