Karela Bitter Melon or Gourd

Experience a burst of bold, earthy flavors with this authentic Karela Bitter Melon or Gourd stir-fry recipe, a classic in traditional Indian cooking. This dish balances the natural bitterness of karela with aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and garam masala, creating a warm and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Freshly sliced onions, garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes form the flavorful base, while a sprinkling of cilantro adds a refreshing finish. The preparation includes a simple salting technique to mellow the bitterness, ensuring a more palatable experience. Perfect as a side dish or a main entrée paired with steamed rice or chapati, this healthy and vegan-friendly recipe is ideal for those who enjoy vibrant, nutrient-packed meals with a hint of spice.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized Karela (bitter melon)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 large, thinly sliced Onion
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 2 sliced Green chilies
• 1 medium, chopped Tomato
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

Step 1

Wash the karela thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 2

Slice the karela lengthwise, remove the seeds if desired, and cut into thin semi-circles.

Step 3

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the sliced karela, mix well, and let it sit for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Afterward, rinse the karela under running water and pat dry.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to sizzle and crackle for about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Step 7

Stir in the minced garlic and green chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the chopped tomato and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 9

Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and ground coriander. Mix well to coat the mixture in spices.

Step 10

Add the prepared karela slices to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 11

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the karela to cook until tender.

Step 12

Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium, and stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes to slightly caramelize the karela.

Step 13

Sprinkle garam masala over the stir-fry and mix well.

Step 14

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves before serving.

Step 15

Serve hot with steamed rice, chapati, or as a flavorful side dish to your main meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1246.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	665.5

Total Fat 43.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3663.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 70.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.9g	0%
Total Sugars 37.1g
Protein 14.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 286.8mg	0%
Iron 8.5mg	0%
Potassium 3422.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.6%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 38.4%