Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi (Bihari Bitter Gourd Potato Vegetable) Recipe
This Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi is a delightful, flavorful dish that beautifully balances the bitterness of karela (bitter gourd) with the heartiness of potatoes, spiced with aromatic Indian flavors. Originating from the state of Bihar, this dish is a must-try for those who appreciate traditional, home-cooked meals. Perfectly paired with Palak Dal, Phulkas, and Jeera Rice, this sabzi brings together the earthy bitterness of karela and the soft, comforting texture of potatoes, making it a nutritious choice for a diabetic-friendly lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Karela (Bitter Gourd / Pavakkai) | 2, deseeded and cut into thin strips |
| Mustard Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 3, thickly sliced |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Jaggery (Optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time
- 45 minutes
Total Time
- 65 minutes
Servings
- 6 servings
Cuisine
- Bihari
Course
- Lunch
Diet
- Diabetic Friendly
Instructions for Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by prepping all the ingredients and setting them aside for easy access during cooking. Deseed the karela and cut it into thin strips. Slice the onions and potatoes as needed. Chop the garlic finely, and gather all the spices. -
-
Cook the Karela:
In a pressure cooker, add the karela pieces along with a pinch of salt and about 2 tablespoons of water. Pressure cook the karela for 2 whistles, then turn off the heat. Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid. Immediately transfer the karela to a bowl to retain its vibrant green color. -
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Heat mustard oil in a kadai (Indian wok) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown. Then, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they soften and become translucent. -
Cook the Potatoes:
Add the thickly sliced potatoes to the kadai. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and the turmeric powder. Stir the potatoes to coat them evenly with the spices. Cook the potatoes until they become golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can cover the pan to steam the potatoes and speed up the cooking process, making them tender in less time. -
Combine Karela and Spices:
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the pre-cooked karela to the pan. Mix in all the remaining spices: red chilli powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, amchur powder, and additional salt if required. For a subtle sweetness, add jaggery (optional). Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly combined. -
Stir Fry:
Stir-fry the mixture for an additional 4-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the spices to fully infuse the vegetables. -
Final Adjustments:
Taste the sabzi and adjust the salt or spices according to your preference. If you like a little extra sweetness, you can add more jaggery at this point. -
Serve:
Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi to a serving bowl. Serve hot with Phulkas, Jeera Rice, and a side of Palak Dal for a well-rounded, hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi is best enjoyed with warm phulkas (Indian flatbreads), fluffy jeera rice (cumin rice), and a comforting bowl of Palak Dal. The combination of the slightly bitter karela, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a satisfying and balanced meal that is both flavorful and nutritious.
Tips for the Perfect Karela Aloo Sabzi
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To Reduce Bitterness: If you prefer a milder bitterness, after slicing the karela, sprinkle some salt on it and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess bitterness. You can then rinse the karela under cold water before cooking.
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For Crispier Potatoes: For a more crispy texture, you can shallow fry the potatoes in mustard oil until golden brown, or opt to bake them if you prefer a healthier version.
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Adjust Spices to Taste: The beauty of this dish lies in the ability to adjust spices according to your preferences. Feel free to modify the amount of jaggery for sweetness or increase the amount of red chilli powder for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Protein | 2-3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 6-7 g |
| Fiber | 5-6 g |
| Sugar | 4-5 g |
This Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi is a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire, offering both health benefits and a delicious array of flavors. With its unique blend of bitter, tangy, spicy, and sweet elements, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
