Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi Recipe: A Perfect Side Dish for Every Meal
Bihari cuisine brings forth a symphony of flavors, and the Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi is a classic example. This delightful side dish marries the slightly bitter taste of karela (bitter gourd) with the comforting flavors of potatoes, all balanced with earthy Indian spices. Whether you’re looking to enhance a diabetic-friendly meal plan or simply exploring regional Indian delicacies, this dish is sure to add an authentic touch to your plate.
Recipe Summary
- Cuisine: Bihari
- Course: Lunch, Side Dish
- Diet: Diabetic Friendly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this flavorful dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Karela (Bitter Gourd/ Pavakkai) | 2, deseeded and cut into thin strips |
| Mustard Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 3, thickly sliced |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Jaggery (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~18 g |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Fat | ~7 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and ingredient quality.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step directions to prepare a flavorful Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Deseed the karela (bitter gourd) and cut it into thin strips. Slice the onions and potatoes, and chop the garlic finely. |
| 2 | In a pressure cooker, add the karela with a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook for 2 whistles and turn off the heat. Release the pressure immediately to retain the karela’s green color. Set aside. |
| 3 | Heat mustard oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. Add chopped garlic and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent. |
| 4 | Add the sliced potatoes to the kadai. Sprinkle salt and turmeric powder. Stir well and cook until the potatoes are well roasted and tender. You may cover the pan for faster cooking. |
| 5 | Once the potatoes are cooked, add the pre-cooked karela to the kadai. Mix well. |
| 6 | Now, sprinkle the remaining spices: red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and amchur powder. Adjust salt if necessary and add jaggery for a hint of sweetness, if desired. |
| 7 | Stir the vegetables thoroughly to coat them evenly with the spices. Allow the sabzi to cook for another 4-5 minutes on medium heat so the flavors meld beautifully. |
| 8 | Turn off the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. |
| 9 | Transfer the Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi to a serving bowl and serve hot. |
Serving Suggestions
The versatility of this dish makes it a wonderful companion for various Indian staples:
- Pair it with Palak Dal for a nutritious meal.
- Serve alongside hot Phulkas or Chapatis.
- Add a serving of Jeera Rice to create a complete and satisfying lunch menu.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Karela Aloo Sabzi
- Salt to Reduce Bitterness: Sprinkle salt over the karela strips and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Rinse them well to reduce the natural bitterness.
- Oil Selection: Mustard oil adds a distinct flavor authentic to Bihari cuisine. If unavailable, substitute with any neutral oil, but mustard oil is highly recommended for the best taste.
- Cooking Potatoes Evenly: Covering the pan while cooking potatoes can help steam them faster, reducing overall cook time.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover sabzi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a kadai on medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Diabetic-Friendly: Bitter gourd is well-known for its health benefits, particularly in regulating blood sugar levels.
- Flavorful and Balanced: The slight bitterness of karela is perfectly offset by the sweetness of jaggery and the tanginess of amchur powder.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the spices and vegetables used are pantry staples, making this an easy yet impressive dish.
Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this traditional Bihari Karela Aloo Sabzi as part of your everyday meal. Let this recipe bring a touch of Bihar’s rich culinary heritage to your kitchen!
