Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd
Add a burst of bold flavors to your table with Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd, a vibrant side dish that's both nutritious and delightfully unique. This quick and easy recipe transforms the naturally bitter vegetable into a savory, spice-infused delicacy, balanced with the tang of lemon juice and freshness of cilantro. Featuring a medley of aromatic ingredients like cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and garlic, this dish is gently simmered with tomatoes to create a deliciously complex flavor profile. Perfect with steamed rice or chapati, this healthy, vegan-friendly dish not only enhances your mealtime but also packs a hearty dose of nutrients. Embrace this tantalizing, Indian-inspired gem for a versatile side that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 bitter gourd (medium-sized)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 0.25 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds. If you want to reduce the bitterness, scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center.
Place the sliced bitter gourds in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let them rest for 10 minutes. This will help to draw out some of the bitterness.
After 10 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under running water and squeeze out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Add 0.5 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the hot oil and allow them to crackle for a few seconds.
Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and lightly golden.
Stir in the bitter gourd slices and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of coriander powder. Mix well to coat the bitter gourd slices evenly with the spices.
Add the chopped tomato and pour in 0.25 cup of water. Stir and cover the pan with a lid. Allow it to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the bitter gourds are tender.
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid evaporates and the bitter gourd starts to crisp up slightly.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the stir-fried bitter gourd with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Toss to combine.
Serve the spicy stir-fried bitter gourd hot as a side dish with steamed rice or chapati.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
121 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.3 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 499 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.1 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 1.7 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 34 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 376 mg | 8% | |
*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.
