Karela-Onion Fry is an easy and nutritious curry. Karela (bitter
melon/bitter gourd) is not popular with everyone because of its bitter
taste, but in this recipe, the onions add a touch of sweetness and the
red chilli powder a nice punch. Karela is great for health and
deserves to be a part of a healthy meal. It is rich in iron, calcium,
potassium, and fiber, and studies show
that it helps regulate blood sugar.
Servings: 4 Cooking Time: 25
minutes
Ingredients
3 cups karela (bitter melon), cut into small cubes
with seeds
2 1/2 cups onions cut into small cubes
5-6 curry leaves
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp besan (chickpea flourP
Salt to taste
6-8 tsp vegetable oil
Preparation
Apply some salt on the karela pieces and set aside
for 10-15 minutes to take away some of the bitterness. You can squeeze
out any liquid from the pieces.
Place the karela in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle
some water and cook in the microwave for about 4 minutes or until
almost tender.
Heat 4-5 tsp oil in a nonstick skillet and add the
curry leaves and fry for a minute until crisp. Add the turmeric powder,
onions, karela, and some salt. Cover and cook on medium heat for 5-6
minutes until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove the lid and saute on medium high, adding some
more oil, until the karela and onion are lightly browned.
Add the red chilli powder and a little more oil and
saute until the karela-onion fry is well-browned.
Serve the karela-onion fry hot, with plain white
rice, plain dal, and ghee.