Love it or hate it, the humble Karela (bitter gourd) is a nutritional powerhouse packed with health benefits. This Karela Fry recipe transforms this often-overlooked vegetable into a crispy, flavorful, and spicy treat that pairs beautifully with your favorite Indian meals. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your lunch or add a nutritious side to your dinner, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the unique flavors of bitter gourd while reaping its numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd
Rich in Nutrients: Bitter gourd is a great source of Vitamin C, which boosts immunity, and Vitamin A, which supports eye health.
Blood Sugar Control: It is known for its potential to lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics.
Detoxification: Bitter gourd is believed to aid in cleansing the liver and improving liver health.
Weight Management: Low in calories and rich in fiber, it helps you feel full for longer and supports weight loss.
Skin Health: It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and promote clearer skin.
The medicinal properties of bitter melon make this under-appreciated vegetable worth looking into.
Karela Fry Andhra Recipe:
Karela Fry is not just another dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and uncompromising nutrition. If you’ve always shied away from bitter gourd, give this recipe a chance—you may just find yourself craving its crispy, delicious bite. Healthy, tasty, and truly Indian—this dish will leave you and your taste buds wanting more!
Bitter Gourd Fry made Andhra Style is a delicious recipe that will make you forget the bitterness of the vegetable and mark it as one of your favourite recipe! While the bitter gourd is unabashedly bitter and takes some getting used to, there are many cooking methods to counter its bitterness such as adding sweet, spicy or savory components.
Firstly wash the karelas and cut off the ends. Then cut the bitter gourd into round slices. (To reduce the bitterness, you can sprinkle salt on the bitter melon slices, toss well and place them in a colander to drain for 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Also peel and finely chop the onions. Wash and chop finely the tomato. Wash the curry leaves.
Heat oil in a kadai. When hot, temper with urad dal and chana dal. Then add mustard seeds, curry leaves and cumin seeds. Saute for a few seconds.
Now add the finely chopped onions and fry for a few minutes over medium heat till the onions start to brown.
Then put in the chopped tomatoes, mix well and cook covered till they turn mushy.
Next add the bitter gourd slices and combine well. (You can also first shallow fry the karela slices and then add them at this stage).
Now sprinkle salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and sambhar powder. Mix everything well.
Cover and cook over low heat, stirring in-between till the karelas are done.
Remove and serve Karela Fryas a side Rice and Dal.
If you are searching for more Bitter gourd recipes, then do try out Karela Tikkis
Karela Fry Serving Suggestions
Side Dish: Serve Karela Fry alongside steamed rice and dal for a wholesome Indian meal.
With Chapati: It pairs wonderfully with soft chapatis or rotis and a dollop of plain yogurt.
Variations for Karela Fry
Masala Karela: Add crushed garlic, ginger, and a pinch of garam masala for an extra burst of flavor.
Karela Chips: Slice the Karela very thin, coat with rice flour, and fry until crispy for a chip-like texture.
Stuffed Karela: Stuff the Karela slices with a blend of spices before frying for a unique twist.
Sweet and Sour Karela: Balance the bitterness by adding a touch of jaggery or sugar during cooking.
Tips for Perfect Karela Fry
Reduce Bitterness: Salt and rinse the bitter gourd slices before cooking to reduce their bitterness.
Thin Slices: Ensure that the Karela slices are thin and uniform for even frying.
High Heat Frying: Frying on high heat initially helps in achieving a crisp texture.
Karela Fry Andhra style is a delectable and nutrient-rich recipe. This tasty and healthy Kakarakaya Ullipaya Masala Vepudu Kura requires simple ingredients. Learn how to prepare kakarakaya fry Andhra style.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Andhra
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 55kcal
Author Shil
Ingredients
Karela/Bitter Gourd – 200 gms
Onions – 2.medium
Mustard Seeds – ¾ tsp
Chana Dal – 1 ½ tsp
Urad Dal – 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds – ¾ tsp
Salt to taste
Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
Sambhar Powder – 1 ½ tsp
Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
Oil – ¾ tbsp
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs
Tomato - 1 medium
Instructions
Wash and thinly slice the karelas into roundels.
Peel and chop the onions finely. Chop the tomato. Wash and pick curry leaves.
Heat oil in a pan and add the chana dal and urad dal. Once they change colour, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves. Fry till they start to splutter.
Add the chopped onions and sauté till the onions become translucent.
Put in the chopped tomato and cook till soft. Add the karela slices, mix well. (You can also first shallow fry the karela slices and then add them at this stage).
Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt and sambhar powder. Combine well. Cook covered on a low flame till the karelas turn a crispy brown.
Remove and serve Andhra Karela Fry as a side dish with Rice.
Notes
* To reduce bitterness, add salt to sliced Karelas and keep aside for 10 minutes. Squeeze the bitter gourds well, remove excess moisture and wash.
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