Karela Kadhi Recipe
Rajasthani Comfort Food with a Touch of Bitterness
Introduction
Kadhi, a beloved comfort food that transcends seasons, is a soul-satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or phulka. The Karela Kadhi Recipe puts a unique twist on this classic, blending the soothing qualities of kadhi with the distinct bitterness of karela (bitter gourd). While karela might not be to everyone’s taste, its bitterness pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy flavor of yogurt and the spiced warmth of traditional Rajasthani ingredients. This dish is diabetic-friendly and perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful option that’s both nutritious and comforting.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Rajasthani
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Karela (Bitter Gourd / Pavakkai), de-skinned and sliced | 2 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 |
| Green Chillies, crushed to paste | 3 |
| Ginger, crushed to paste | 1/2 inch |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~9g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~4g
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Yogurt and Besan Mix:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the curd (yogurt) with water and gram flour (besan). Make sure to blend them smoothly without any lumps. Set this mixture aside for later use. -
Soak the Karela (Bitter Gourd):
Slice the bitter gourd (karela) into thin rounds and place them in salted water. This step helps to reduce some of the bitterness of the karela. Let it soak while you prepare the other ingredients. -
Tempering the Spices:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and release their aroma, infusing the oil with their flavors. -
Saute the Onions and Spices:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the curry leaves, crushed green chillies, and ginger paste. Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of ginger disappears. -
Cook the Karela:
Add the soaked and drained bitter gourd slices to the pan. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, allowing the karela to soften and absorb the flavors of the spices. Add salt to taste during this step. -
Add the Yogurt-Besan Mixture:
Once the karela is cooked and softened, pour in the prepared besan-yogurt mixture. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the mixture is evenly distributed. -
Simmer and Cook:
Let the kadhi simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. The kadhi will begin to thicken and slightly bubble. Once the desired consistency is achieved, turn off the heat. -
Serve:
Serve the Karela Kadhi hot with a side of jeera rice, phulka, or a simple kachumber salad. You can also pair it with bharwa besan mirch (stuffed gram flour chilies) for an added burst of flavor.
Tips & Variations:
- Remove Excess Bitterness: If you find the karela too bitter even after soaking, you can also sauté the slices with a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner kadhi, feel free to add extra water while cooking the besan-yogurt mixture. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired texture.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
Conclusion:
The Karela Kadhi Recipe is an excellent way to incorporate the health benefits of bitter gourd into your diet while enjoying the comforting warmth of kadhi. Its rich flavors, tempered with spices and balanced with yogurt, make it a unique yet familiar dish, perfect for any meal. Try this recipe and experience the traditional Rajasthani flavors in the comfort of your home. Enjoy the delightful combination of bitterness and tang, and savor every bite with your favorite accompaniments.
