Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and surprisingly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This Bitter Gourd Sabji, also known as Karela Sabzi, is a staple in many Indian households and a fantastic way to incorporate this nutrient-rich vegetable into your diet. While some might shy away from its slightly bitter taste, our recipe expertly balances the bitterness with flavorful spices, creating a dish that's both healthy and appealing. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a favorite among your quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized bitter gourd (about 250g), deseeded and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 inch ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bitter Gourd: The key to a delicious Bitter Gourd Sabji is properly preparing the vegetable. After deseeded, slice the bitter gourd thinly and sprinkle it generously with salt. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps to draw out some of the bitterness. After this, rinse the slices thoroughly under cold water and squeeze out excess water. This step is crucial for homemade cooking success.
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Temper the Spices: Heat oil in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
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Add Aromatics & Spices: Now add the ginger and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Stir well and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant, ensuring they don't burn.
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Cook the Bitter Gourd: Add the squeezed bitter gourd slices to the pan. Mix well with the spices and add salt to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bitter gourd is tender-crisp. You want it to retain a slight bite.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro and remove from the heat. Serve hot with roti, chapati, rice, or naan.
Cooking Tips for the Best Bitter Gourd Sabji:
- Thinly Slicing: The thinner you slice the bitter gourd, the quicker it will cook and the less bitter it will taste.
- Salt Treatment: Don't skip the salt treatment; it makes a huge difference in reducing bitterness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your preference.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked bitter gourd will become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
Variations:
- Add Tomatoes: You can add 1-2 chopped tomatoes along with the onions for added flavor and sweetness.
- Coconut Milk: For a richer and creamier version, stir in a little coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
- Potatoes: Adding diced potatoes creates a heartier and more filling dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritious dish offers a good source of vitamins, especially Vitamin C, and dietary fiber. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.
This Bitter Gourd Sabji recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. Try it out and experience the delightful blend of flavors and the health benefits this amazing vegetable offers. We hope this recipe will become one of your best recipes for delicious and healthy meals!