ACHARI KARELA

 This Achari Karela is so simple to cook and it’s so healthy. Though it has a bitter taste, the health benefits it contains cannot be ignored. It cleanses the blood and aids in weight loss. It keeps the blood glucose levels in check and also boosts immunity. In many Indian household people prepare it as a side dish. This flavourful dish is prepared using very simple ingredients like fennel seeds, mustard seeds, methi seeds, jaggery, tamarind pulp and few Indian spices. It tastes best when served with hot roti/ phulka and rice. I have shared few recipes of karela earlier on my blog like bharwa karela, crispy karela, etc. As karela is my favourite and I love trying new recipes with it. Today I am sharing this flavourful karela dish with you. If you are also Karela fan like me then you must try it and I am sure you will like it very much.   

INGREDIENTS:

500 gms Karela/ Bitter Gourd

1000 ml Water

¼ Cup Oil

½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds

½ teaspoon Mustard Seeds

1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds/ Saunf

½ teaspoon Fenugreek/ Methi Seeds

½ teaspoon Nigella/ Kalonji Seeds

½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder

1 teaspoon Salt

2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder [adjust according to your taste]

1-1/2 teaspoon Coriander Powder

1 tablespoon Jaggery

2 tablespoon Tamarind Pulp

For soaking Karela:

1 teaspoon Salt

500-600 ml Water

METHOD:

STEP 1 – Wash bitter gourd and cut them into roundels.

STEP 2 – Transfer into a bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt 

and add 500 ml water and soak for 30-40 minutes.

STEP 3 – Remove and wash them again with fresh water.

STEP 4 – Now heat 1000 ml/ 1 litre water in a vessel.

STEP 5 – Add all the bitter gourd roundels in a small strainer. Keep the strainer on the vessel as shown in the picture below.

STEP 6 – Cover with a lid and bring the water to boil. Cook for 4-5 minutes.

STEP 7 – Remove from heat and drain them well and keep aside.

STEP 8 – Now heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds and mix well and roast for 1-2 minutes.

 STEP 9 – Add turmeric powder and mix.

STEP 10 – Immediately add boiled bitter gourd and 1 teaspoon salt and mix well.

STEP 11 – Cover with lid and cook for 10-15 minutes.

STEP 12 – Then add red chilli powder, coriander powder and mix it well.
STEP 13 – Add grated jaggery, tamarind paste and mix it well.

STEP 14 – Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes, check it whether it is cooked or not. Don’t overcook the bitter gourd.

STEP 15 – Switch off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander and serve.

Serve it hot as a side dish to your meal and enjoy.