Bitter Gourd in Yogurt
Transform the humble bitter gourd into a creamy, tangy delight with this "Bitter Gourd in Yogurt" recipe—a refreshing spin on traditional Indian flavors. Perfectly balancing the sharp bitterness of karela with the rich, velvety smoothness of yogurt, this dish is spiced with earthy cumin, aromatic curry leaves, and a hint of chili for a vibrant kick. The bitter gourd is first salted and fried to crisp perfection, then simmered gently in a flavorful spiced yogurt sauce to create a comforting, mildly tangy curry. With just a touch of optional sugar, this dish achieves a harmonious balance of flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to fluffy steamed rice or warm flatbread. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for adding diversity to your vegetarian repertoire while exploring traditional Indian culinary techniques.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized bitter gourd (karela)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 medium-sized onions
- 2 green chilies
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 8 leaves curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly, slice them into thin rings, and remove the seeds. Sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to reduce their bitterness.
Rinse the salted bitter gourd slices under water and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the bitter gourd slices and fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter, then add the curry leaves and sliced onions.
Sauté the onions until they turn translucent, then add the garlic paste, green chilies (slit lengthwise), turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
Mix well and cook the spices for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water if the mixture begins to dry out.
Reduce the heat to low and whisk the yogurt in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually add the yogurt to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.
Add the fried bitter gourd slices back into the skillet. Let them simmer in the yogurt sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and add sugar if the dish needs balancing. Adjust salt as well, if needed.
Take the skillet off the heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with steamed rice or flatbread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
158 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.0 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 280 mg | 12% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.8 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g | ||
| Protein | 4.0 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 113 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 525 mg | 11% | |
*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.
