Sindhi Karela Bhaji Recipe – Sindhi Style Bitter Gourd Sabzi
Introduction:
Sindhi Karela Bhaji is a unique and flavorful dish that takes bitter gourds, also known as karela, and transforms them into a tangy, aromatic curry. While bitter gourd is known for its strong bitter taste, this recipe balances that bitterness with a medley of onions, tomatoes, yogurt, and a perfect blend of spices. The resulting dish is a hearty, savory, and slightly tangy treat that’s both delicious and diabetic-friendly. Served alongside traditional Sindhi staples like Tidali Dal and Jowar Jo Dodo, this dish makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Cuisine: Sindhi
Course: Lunch
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Karela (Bitter Gourd/Pavakkai) | 2, cut into roundels |
| Onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, finely chopped |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Anardana Powder (Pomegranate Seed Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Finely chopped, for garnish |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Karela:
Begin by preparing the karela (bitter gourd). In a pressure cooker, add the karela roundels along with 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 2 whistles, then turn off the heat. Once the pressure is released, rinse the cooker under cold water to prevent the karela from overcooking. Set aside. -
-
Sauté Spices and Aromatics:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a kadai (wok) on medium heat. Add cumin seeds (jeera) and allow them to sizzle. Once the cumin seeds have spluttered, add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills the air. -
Cook the Onions:
Add the sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them until they soften and turn golden brown. This step is crucial as it forms the base of the curry. -
Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
Once the onions have browned, add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy, blending into the base of the curry. Now, add the turmeric powder, kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, cardamom powder, and anardana powder. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to blend well. -
Incorporate the Yogurt:
Add the curd (yogurt) to the pan and stir it into the masala (spice mix). Let it cook for a few more minutes until the yogurt is well incorporated, and the mixture thickens slightly. -
Add the Karela:
Now, add the pre-cooked karela roundels to the pan. If needed, sprinkle a little water to adjust the consistency of the curry. Cover the pan and let the karela simmer in the masala for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touches:
After the simmering is complete, taste the curry and adjust the salt and spices to your preference. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped coriander leaves for added freshness and flavor. -
Serve:
Transfer the Sindhi Karela Bhaji to a serving dish and garnish with additional coriander leaves. Serve hot as a side dish with Sindhi Tidali Dal and Jowar Jo Dodo (Sindhi Sorghum Roti) for an authentic Sindhi meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Sindhi Karela Bhaji pairs wonderfully with:
- Sindhi Tidali Dal: A traditional Sindhi dal made with lentils and spices.
- Jowar Jo Dodo: A rustic Sindhi flatbread made from sorghum flour, which complements the bitterness of the karela.
This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish that’s both diabetic-friendly and full of authentic Sindhi flavors.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Protein | 3-4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10-12 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-3 grams |
| Sugars | 4-5 grams |
| Fat | 10-12 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 1-2 grams |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20-25 mg |
| Iron | 1-2 mg |
| Calcium | 50-70 mg |
Enjoy your Sindhi Karela Bhaji as a healthy, flavorful addition to your meal. The tangy, spicy, and savory elements make this dish a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste.
