Karela Dahi Puri Recipe – A Chatpata Chaat Made From Bitter Gourd

Introduction

Dive into the flavorful world of Indian street food with our Karela Dahi Puri, a delightful snack that masterfully balances the unique bitterness of karela (bitter gourd) with the creamy goodness of hung curd and the vibrant spices of chaat masala. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds with its chatpata (spicy and tangy) flavor but also provides a nutritious twist, making it an excellent choice for those who love to explore diverse culinary experiences while maintaining a vegetarian diet. The blend of textures—from the crispy fried karela to the smooth yogurt and crunchy toppings—makes each bite an exciting journey.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

Servings

Cuisine

Instructions

1. Boiling the Karela: Begin by heating approximately 2 cups of water in a medium-sized saucepan. Once the water reaches a gentle boil, add all the sliced karela into the pot. Allow the karela to cook for about 2 minutes or until they are semi-cooked. This step helps to reduce the bitterness while retaining some crunch. After boiling, strain the karela slices and set them aside to cool.

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2. Preparing the Spice Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, red chili powder, black salt, coriander powder, and a pinch of asafoetida. This spice mixture will impart a delicious flavor to the karela.

3. Coating the Karela: Toss the semi-cooked karela slices into the bowl with the spice mix. If necessary, sprinkle a little water to help the spices adhere to the karela, mixing until each slice is well-coated.

4. Frying the Karela: Heat sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat, suitable for shallow frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated karela slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp on both sides. Once done, remove the karela from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Preparing the Yogurt Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the hung curd along with chaat masala powder until smooth and well combined. This tangy yogurt sauce will complement the fried karela perfectly.

6. Assembling the Karela Dahi Puri: Arrange the crispy karela slices on a serving platter. Drizzle the spiced chatpata yogurt generously over each slice, followed by a drizzle of sweet chutney made from dates and tamarind for an added punch of flavor.

7. Topping the Karela Dahi Puri: To elevate the textures and flavors, sprinkle sev on top of each karela slice, adding a delightful crunch. Optionally, you can add aloo bhujia for an extra layer of taste. Garnish with chopped dates and fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

8. Serving: Serve your Karela Dahi Puri immediately, ideally alongside a hot cup of masala tea or filter coffee to enhance your snacking experience. This dish is perfect for evening snacks, bringing a unique twist to your chaat cravings.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Conclusion

Indulging in Karela Dahi Puri not only satisfies your cravings for a savory snack but also introduces you to the wonderful flavors and health benefits of bitter gourd. This innovative recipe is a testament to the creativity inherent in Indian cuisine, where traditional ingredients are transformed into delightful dishes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this chatpata chaat!

Feel free to share your experiences and variations in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together!