Bitter Gourd (Karelas)

Bitter Gourd also known as Karela (in Hindi) is a simple, easy Punjabi recipe. It combines bitterness and sweetness from cermalized onions infused with aromatic Indian spices.

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Ingredients:

Serves 4 - 6

  • 2 lbs Karela
  • 2 onions sliced
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 4 dried red chilies
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 fresh green chilies (opt)
  • 5 tbsp vegetable oil

How to make Bitter Guard (Karelas):

  1. Scrape and clean karelas.
  2. Sprinkle salt both inside and out and leave the karelas in a cool place for 20 minutes.
  3. Wash out the salt of the karelas and pat it dry with paper towel.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a thick bottomed pan.
  5. Then put karelas into th pan. Add turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder and chili powder (optional) and some salt.. Fry for 10 minutes stiring ocassionally.
  6. Add the chopped onions and cook for aditional 10 minutes on medium heat stiring so karelas will not burn. Vegetables should be soft and golden brown in color.
  7. When done, transfer the dish to serving plates. Best served with roti.

Indian cuisine is not only tasty but also very healthy. Herbs and spices have traditionally been used to treat diseases for thousands of years. They add flavor and nutrients to dishes without fat or calories. Vegetables, plant-based proteins, whole grains, milk and spices contain essential micro-nutrients and vitamins that produce antioxidants which are good for heart, blood pressure and diabetes.

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Side dishes are an important part of every Indian meal. There are so many options out there! We rounded up some of our favorite sides, recipes and all, so you can enjoy your next BBQ or just 'get together" and stay on the healthy path without sacrificing flavor.

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