Masala Karela (Spicy Bitter Gourd) Recipe
A savory and spicy side dish perfect for a fulfilling meal, Masala Karela blends the bitterness of karela (bitter gourd) with a rich and flavorful mix of spices, offering a perfect balance of taste and texture. Ideal for a diabetic-friendly diet, this easy-to-make dish will add a new dimension to your meal with its tangy and aromatic notes, enhanced by the addition of dried mango powder for that extra zing.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bitter gourd | 6 pieces |
| Salt | To taste |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Gram flour | 3 tbsp |
| Turmeric powder | 2 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | 2 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tbsp |
| Dried mango powder | 1 tbsp |
| Oil | As needed |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bitter Gourd
Start by thoroughly washing the bitter gourd. Peel off the skin and then slice the gourd into thin, round pieces. Remove the seeds carefully. -
-
Marinate the Bitter Gourd
In a bowl, add salt to the sliced bitter gourd, mix it well, and let it marinate for 2 hours. This helps reduce the bitterness and makes it tender. -
Rinse and Dry
After 2 hours, rinse the marinated bitter gourd under cold water to remove excess salt and bitterness. Spread it out on a plate to drain the water. -
Prepare the Spiced Masala
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter for about 10 seconds. -
Cook the Onions
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and cook them until they turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. -
Add the Spices
Once the onions are golden, add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Let this mixture cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma. -
Incorporate the Gram Flour
Sprinkle in the gram flour and stir well. Let the mixture cook for about 10-12 minutes. This step helps to thicken the masala and gives the dish a rich, flavorful texture. -
Add the Bitter Gourd
Now, add the marinated bitter gourd pieces into the masala mixture and cook for another 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the bitter gourd is coated well with the masala and cooks evenly. -
Finish with Dried Mango Powder
After 10 minutes, add the dried mango powder and mix everything well. The tanginess of the mango powder will give the dish an added punch. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat. -
Serve
Serve your Masala Karela hot with freshly made Garlic Dal and Phulkas (Indian flatbread). This combination makes for a delightful and healthy meal that will surely please your taste buds.
Tips
- You can adjust the level of bitterness in the karela by marinating it with salt for a longer period, or you can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the bitterness during the cooking process.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook the bitter gourd a bit longer until it’s more tender.
Enjoy
This delightful side dish, with its spicy, tangy, and savory profile, is a perfect addition to any meal, especially for those looking for diabetic-friendly options that don’t compromise on flavor. Enjoy Masala Karela as a side with rice or roti for a wholesome, satisfying dinner.
