Andhra Kakarakaya Vepudu: Flavorful Bitter Gourd Stir Fry Recipe

Andhra Style Kakarakaya Vepudu Recipe – Bitter Gourd Stir Fry

Andhra Style Kakarakaya Vepudu, a traditional South Indian dish, highlights the unique flavors of bitter gourd, often lauded for its health benefits. This stir fry not only brings out the distinct bitterness of karela but also balances it beautifully with the warmth of spices and the sweetness of jaggery. Whether served alongside steaming rice and a dollop of ghee or as a flavorful accompaniment to rotis and parathas, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds while providing a healthy option for your dining table. Let’s dive into the preparation of this delectable dish!

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Cook the Bitter Gourd: Begin your culinary journey by preparing the karela (bitter gourd). Place the chopped bitter gourd in a pressure cooker along with 2 tablespoons of yogurt, a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Add about 2 tablespoons of water to the mixture. Pressure cook the ingredients until you hear just one whistle. After the first whistle, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally, which takes about 2 minutes. Once the pressure is released, carefully open the cooker and set aside the cooked bitter gourd.

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2. Sauté the Spices: In a heavy-bottomed wok or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. Next, add the cumin seeds and dry red chillies. Sauté these for a minute until fragrant.

3. Add Aromatics: Incorporate the thinly sliced onion, crushed garlic cloves, and curry leaves into the pan. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the garlic to infuse its aroma into the oil.

4. Stir-Fry the Bitter Gourd: Now, gently add the pre-cooked karela to the pan. Stir-fry the mixture over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, the bitter gourd will begin to caramelize, developing a lovely brown hue and becoming tender.

5. Season the Dish: Once the bitter gourd is cooked to your liking, sprinkle in the red chilli powder, amchur powder, jaggery, and salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly and continue to stir for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the spices are well incorporated.

6. Final Frying: Raise the heat to high and stir-fry the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes more, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to achieve a beautiful dark brown color.

7. Garnish and Serve: Finally, add a handful of finely chopped coriander leaves, giving everything a good mix before turning off the heat. Your Andhra Style Kakarakaya Vepudu is now ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

This delightful stir fry pairs wonderfully with hot, steamed rice drizzled with ghee for an authentic touch. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside other South Indian dishes such as Hyderabadi Khadi Masoor Ki Dal, Kerala Cheriya Ulli Sambar, or a comforting Tomato Rasam. It also complements rotis and parathas beautifully, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

As you savor each bite of this nutritious and flavorsome dish, you’ll appreciate the way the bitter gourd transforms under the magic of spices, creating a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your culinary creation and the rich traditions of Andhra cuisine!