Crispy Bitter Gourd Fry / Karela Fry

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Gayatri (@rene121)

Bitter gourd fry is a flavorful and nutritious Indian side dish made by slicing bitter gourd (also known as karela) into thin rounds and frying them with spices. Despite its naturally bitter taste, the dish becomes deliciously crisp and tangy when cooked with ingredients like turmeric, chili powder, and amchur...

Crispy Bitter Gourd Fry / Karela Fry recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

3 Servings
(1 serving = Approximately 1/3 of the fried bitter gourd)
  • Bitter gourd (medium-sized)
    Bitter gourd (medium-sized)
    1
  • Chilli powder
    Chilli powder
    1/2tsp
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/4tsp
  • Garam masala powder
    Garam masala powder
    1/2tsp
  • Amchur powder
    Amchur powder
    1tsp
  • Chickpea flour
    Chickpea flour
    1 1/2tbsp
  • Corn flour
    Corn flour
    1tbsp
  • Salt (for salting)
    Salt (for salting)
    1tbsp
  • Salt (to taste)
    Salt (to taste)
  • Oil (for deep frying)
    Oil (for deep frying)

How to make Crispy Bitter Gourd Fry / Karela Fry

  1. Step 1

    Cut the bitter gourd into 1/4-inch round pieces.

    Step 1.1: Cut the bitter gourd into 1/4-inch round pieces
  2. Step 2

    Add 1 tbsp of salt to the bitter gourd slices and let them rest for 30-45 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    After resting, water will ooze out from the bitter gourd slices. Rinse them thoroughly to reduce bitterness.

  4. Step 4

    Add chili powder, turmeric powder, amchur powder, garam masala powder, salt, chickpea flour, and corn flour to the rinsed bitter gourd slices. Mix and combine well.

    Step 1.1: Add chili powder, turmeric powder, amchur powder, garam masala powder, salt, chickpea flour, and corn flour to the rinsed bitter gourd slices
    Step 1.2: Add chili powder, turmeric powder, amchur powder, garam masala powder, salt, chickpea flour, and corn flour to the rinsed bitter gourd slices
  5. Step 5

    Heat oil for deep frying in a pan.

  6. Step 6

    Once the oil is hot, turn the flame to high and add the bitter gourd pieces. After a few seconds, reduce the flame to medium.

  7. Step 7

    Fry the bitter gourd pieces on medium flame until they turn crispy.

  8. Step 8

    Serve the crispy bitter gourd fry hot and enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

19.5kcal (0.97%)

Protein

0.7g (1.4%)

Carbs

3.4g (1.24%)

Sugars

0.2g (0.34%)

Healthy Fat

0.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Salting and rinsing the bitter gourd slices helps reduce their bitterness significantly.

  2. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the bitter gourd slices to achieve a crispy texture.

  3. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences for a more personalized flavor.

FAQS

  1. How can I reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd?

    Salting the bitter gourd slices and letting them rest for 30-45 minutes helps reduce bitterness. Rinse them thoroughly afterward.

  2. Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

    Yes, you can use an air fryer to make the bitter gourd fry healthier. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

  3. What can I serve with bitter gourd fry?

    Bitter gourd fry pairs well with rice and dal or roti as a side dish.

  4. Can I store leftover bitter gourd fry?

    Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or pan for best results.

  5. Is bitter gourd fry healthy?

    Yes, bitter gourd is known for its health benefits, including regulating blood sugar levels. Frying it with spices makes it flavorful while retaining its nutritional value.

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rene121's profile picture

Gayatri

(@rene121)

Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...

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