Bitter Gourd Stir-fry

Complexity: 2/5

Introduction

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or karela, is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine. It is known for its bitter taste, but it is also very nutritious and has many health benefits. Bitter gourd is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. It is also low in calories and fat.

While bitter gourd can be eaten raw, it is more commonly cooked. Cooking helps to reduce the bitterness and makes the vegetable more palatable. Bitter gourd can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, frying, and currying.

This recipe will teach you how to cook a simple and delicious bitter gourd stir-fry. This dish is perfect for beginners, as it is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 bitter gourd, washed, deseeded, and sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 green chilli, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until softened and translucent.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilli (if using) and cook for another minute.
4. Add the bitter gourd slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt to taste.
6. Mix well and cook for another minute.
7. Serve hot with rice or roti.

Tips

• To reduce the bitterness of the bitter gourd, you can soak it in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you don't have green chilli, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of red chilli powder.
• You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, potatoes, or tomatoes.
• Serve this dish with a side of yoghurt to help balance the bitterness.

Variations

• To make a spicy bitter gourd stir-fry, add more red chilli powder to taste.
• For a tangy bitter gourd stir-fry, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice or tamarind paste.
• For a creamy bitter gourd stir-fry, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk.