Andhra Style Kakarakaya Vepudu (Bitter Gourd Stir Fry)
Description:
Andhra Style Kakarakaya Vepudu is a flavorful and healthy stir-fry made with bitter gourd (also known as Karela or Pavakkai). This dish combines the bitterness of the vegetable with the rich South Indian spices like curry leaves, garlic, and cumin. The addition of yogurt and jaggery balances the bitterness, creating a delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, ghee, and tomato rasam.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Diabetic-Friendly
Ingredients:
- 300 grams Karela (Bitter Gourd/Pavakkai), small & tender, sliced into thin roundels
- 2 tablespoons Curd (Dahi/Yogurt)
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu)
- 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
- 2 Dry Red Chillies
- 1 Onion, thinly sliced
- 6 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)
- 1 teaspoon Jaggery
- Few sprigs of Coriander (Dhania) leaves, finely chopped
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
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To begin, cook the bitter gourd (Karela) in a pressure cooker. Add the sliced Karela, yogurt, 2 tablespoons of water, turmeric powder, and salt to the pressure cooker. Cook for 1 whistle, then turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally (about 2 minutes). Set the cooked Karela aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dry red chilies. Allow them to crackle and roast.
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Once the mustard seeds and cumin seeds crackle, add the thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, and curry leaves. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onions soften slightly.
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Add the cooked Karela to the pan and stir-fry for 8-10 minutes, allowing the pieces to brown and soften.
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Sprinkle in red chili powder, amchur powder, jaggery, and salt to taste. Continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes. Fry over high heat for 3-5 minutes until the Karela develops a rich, dark brown color.
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Finally, stir in the finely chopped coriander leaves and mix well. Turn off the heat.
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Serve the Andhra Style Kakarakaya Vepudu with hot rice, topped with ghee (optional), or enjoy it as a side dish with Hyderabadi Khadi Masoor Ki Dal, Kerala Cheriya Ulli Sambar, or Tomato Rasam. It also pairs well with roti or parathas.
Enjoy this traditional Andhra recipe as a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meal!
