Bitter gourd fry, also known as bitter melon fry or karela fry, is a delicious and nutritious dish made from bitter gourd, a vegetable known for its distinctive bitter taste.
It is a popular dish in many South Asian cuisines, including Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi.
The bitter gourd is sliced and then cooked with spices to help reduce its bitterness. Bitter gourd fry is often enjoyed as a side dish or accompaniment to rice or roti.
Despite its initial bitterness, the fry offers a unique flavor profile that is enjoyed by those who appreciate the distinctive taste of bitter gourd.
Key Takeaways:
- Bitter gourd fry, also known as bitter melon fry or karela fry, is a delicious and nutritious dish made from bitter gourd.
- It is a popular dish in South Asian cuisines like Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi.
- Bitter gourd slices are cooked with spices to reduce bitterness and enjoyed as a side dish or accompaniment to rice or roti.
- Despite its initial bitterness, bitter gourd fry offers a unique flavor profile appreciated by those who enjoy the distinctive taste of bitter gourd.
- Bitter gourd fry can be customized with spices and flavors.
The Ingredients:
- Bitter Gourd: 250 gms (cut in ring shape)
- Onion: 1 large size (cut in ring shape)
- Green Chilis: 5-6 (slit longitudinally)
- Turmeric Powder: 1 and ½ tbl spoon
- Mustard Oil: 3 tbl spoons
- Salt as Per Taste
How to Make Bitter Gourd Fry (Step by Step Images)?
1. Add 3 tablespoons of mustard oil in a wok, pan, or kadai.
2. Heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the bitter gourd and onion slices.
3. Sauté well on low or medium-low heat. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep stirring in between.
4. Add ½ tablespoon of salt and turmeric. Add the green chilis (these green chilis are not so hot). Give all the ingredients a good stir.
5. Put a lid on the wok or pan or kadai. The vapor will cook the bitter gourd and onion.
6. Remove the lid after a few minutes. Stir well on low or medium-low heat, or else the ingredients will burn.
7. Fry it until it reaches a brown caramelized color.
8. Bitter Gourd Fry is ready and transfer into a bowl.
Pro Tips for Making Bitter Gourd Fry
Here are some pro tips to help you make the perfect bitter gourd fry:
Selecting the right bitter gourd: Choose fresh and firm bitter gourds that are green and free from blemishes. Avoid gourds that are too ripe or have turned yellow, as they tend to be overly bitter.
Reducing bitterness: Bitter gourd can be quite bitter, so reduce its bitterness before cooking if you want. To do this, slice the bitter gourd into thin rounds or lengthwise, sprinkle salt generously over them, and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This process helps draw out the bitter juices. Rinse the bitter gourd thoroughly with water and squeeze out any excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe.
Removing seeds: After reducing the bitterness, you can choose to remove the seeds from the bitter gourd slices if desired. The seeds can be bitter as well, so removing them can help mellow the taste. However, leaving the seeds intact is also fine if you don’t mind the slight bitterness.
Shallow frying or deep frying: You have the option of either shallow frying or deep frying the bitter gourd slices. Shallow frying requires less oil and can still result in crispy bitter gourd slices.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional spices and flavors to suit your taste. You can add a pinch of amchur powder (dried mango powder) for a tangy kick or sprinkle some roasted cumin powder for an earthy flavor. Adjust the spice levels to your preference.
What to Serve with Bitter Gourd Fry?
Here are some suggestions for accompaniments to complement and balance the flavors of bitter gourd fry:
Rice: Bitter gourd fry pairs well with steamed white rice or fragrant basmati rice. The mildness of rice helps balance the bitterness of the dish.
Roti or Chapati: Serve bitter gourd fry with Indian breads like roti or chapati. The soft and slightly chewy texture of the bread provides a nice contrast to the crispy bitter gourd.
Sliced Lemon or Lime: Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over the bitter gourd fry before serving. The citrusy acidity can help balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
These suggestions can be adapted based on the regional cuisine or individual preferences to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Bitter Gourd Fry Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to bitter gourd fry, here are a few options:
Bitter Gourd Curry: Instead of frying the bitter gourd slices, you can prepare a curry using bitter gourd as the main ingredient. It can be cooked with spices, onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables to create a flavorful and less bitter dish.
Stuffed Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd can be stuffed with a filling made of spices, herbs, and other vegetables or meats. The stuffed bitter gourd is then cooked either by frying or steaming, resulting in a dish with a milder bitterness and added flavors from the stuffing.
Bitter Gourd Soup: Bitter gourd can be used to make a nutritious and flavorful soup. It can be combined with other vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a comforting and nourishing soup that helps balance the bitterness.
Bitter Gourd Stir-Fry: Instead of deep-frying, you can opt for a stir-fry method to cook bitter gourd. Sauté the bitter gourd slices with other vegetables, spices, and sauces to create a quick and flavorful dish with reduced bitterness.
Bitter Gourd Chips: Thinly sliced bitter gourd can be seasoned with spices and dried to make crispy chips. These chips can be a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks and offer a unique and crunchy experience.
Remember, these alternatives may modify the taste and texture of the bitter gourd, reducing the characteristic bitterness to varying degrees.
They provide options for those who prefer a milder taste or want to explore different ways of incorporating bitter gourd into their meals.
Recipe Card:
Bitter Gourd Fry (Karela Fry)
Ingredients
- 250 grams Bitter Gourd (cut in ring shape)
- 1 piece Onion (cut in ring shape)
- 6 pieces Green Chili (slit longitudinally)
- 1½ tablespoon Turmeric Powder
- 3 tablespoons Mustard Oil
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of mustard oil in a wok, pan, or kadai.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced bitter gourd and onions.
- Sauté the mixture on low or medium-low heat for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add ½ tablespoon of salt and turmeric powder, along with mild green chilies. Mix all the ingredients well.
- Cover the wok or pan with a lid to allow the steam to cook the bitter gourd and onions.
- After a few minutes, remove the lid and continue stirring the mixture on low or medium-low heat to prevent burning.
- Fry the mixture until it turns a brown caramelized color.
- Transfer the cooked Bitter Gourd Fry to a serving bowl.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
Bitter gourd fry is a flavorful and slightly bitter dish that is popular in many cuisines.
The bitter gourd slices are typically cooked in a spice mix and shallow fried until crispy.
The dish offers a unique taste and texture, with the bitterness of the gourd balanced by the spices and stir frying process.
Bitter gourd fry can be enjoyed well with rice, roti, or bread.
Its distinct flavor makes it a favorite among bitter gourd enthusiasts and those looking to explore different tastes in their meals.
