Bitter Gourd Fry
Transform your dining experience with this flavorful and crispy Bitter Gourd Fry (Karela Fry), a traditional Indian side dish that turns the humble bitter gourd into a tantalizing treat. This recipe balances the natural bitterness of karela with a perfectly spiced blend of turmeric, red chili, coriander, cumin, and fennel, while gram flour (besan) adds a distinct crunch. The thinly sliced bitter gourd is marinated, fried until golden brown, and finished with a splash of lemon juice and fresh coriander for a burst of tangy freshness. Packed with health benefits and bold flavors, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or soft flatbreads, making it a must-try for your next vegetarian meal. Perfect for those looking to explore authentic Indian cuisine, this Bitter Gourd Fry is quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious! Keywords: Bitter Gourd Fry, karela recipe, Indian side dish, crispy karela, vegetarian recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams bitter gourd (karela)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder
- 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Slice the bitter gourds into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Remove seeds if they are too mature or hard.
Sprinkle the sliced bitter gourd with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mix well, and let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps to reduce their bitterness.
After 15 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under water to remove excess salt and bitterness, then drain them well in a colander.
In a large mixing bowl, combine turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, fennel seeds, gram flour, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Add the drained bitter gourd slices to the spice mixture and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices.
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the spiced bitter gourd slices in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them on medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Remove the fried slices using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Transfer the bitter gourd fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice, and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot as a side dish with rice or flatbreads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
554 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.2 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2410 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 10.1 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 149 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1918 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
