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Simple Bitter Gourd Fry

I don't like to meddle with the actual taste of any vegetable(in particular, bitter gourd), I season them in such a way that, their innate taste is retained. And that is one of the reasons, I don't add sugar or jaggery to bitter gourd. I cannot tolerate the mild sweetness popping out of the already bitter recipe, I could never fathom this - dunno why?. All I do is, add basic seasoning, remove the really bitter seed from the center and saute it in little oil. As always, no deep frying required(strictly).
Instead of trying to make this vegetable taste less bitter, you can have a main dish which is very light and subtle, say curd rice - this will work too. Warning: This is definitely not a kid-friendly recipe, HaHa!
Bitter Gourd Fry
Ingredients:
1)Bitter Gourd - 1(medium)
2)Oil - 1 to 1.5 tsp
3)Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
4)Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp(1 tsp really? Yes you need a bit more of this.)
5)Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
6)Split Urad Dal - 1/2 tsp
7)Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
8)Salt - to taste

Preparation:
1)De-seed the bitter gourd and cut into "thin semi-circle" shaped pieces.
2)Heat oil in a pan, add cumin, mustard seeds and split urad dal - let it splutter.
3)Add the cut bitter gourd pieces with little salt and saute until they are cooked 90% - It takes around 5 minutes.
4)Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, remaining salt and keep stirring for another 3 minutes.

Sauteed bitter gourd is ready!!

Comments

  1. Nilu AApril 29, 2013 at 2:30 AM

    Wow! I'm a huge karela fan Pavithra,,, And like it exactly this way.. Crisp... Looks lovely and perfect dear :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sona - QP / PQApril 29, 2013 at 3:36 AM

    aah aaa...well.this is definitely not for me :(.. sour repellant species that i am..but anyways, for those who love it, this wud be just great, am sure :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pavithra RApril 29, 2013 at 4:26 AM

      HaHa, I know - I used to hate this veggie so much just like you that, I used to run away whenever this was made at home during my school days. But now I kinda eat at least once a month, owing to the fact that , it is healthy!!

      Delete
  3. Swathi IyerApril 29, 2013 at 5:15 PM

    Delicious stir Fry I am fan of bitter gourd, love to have it in any form, I don't mask their taste until recipe ask for it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pavithra RApril 29, 2013 at 6:26 PM

      Thanks Swathi!
      Yes, masking kinda helps only when we deep fry it, if not it is bitter anyways :-)

      Delete
  4. DhanishApril 29, 2013 at 6:30 PM

    Simple, yet healthy and delicious bitter gourd Recipe. Love your version...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Navaneetham KrishnanApril 29, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    Yep, no sugar and retaining the innate taste did created the simple flavors to gourd. We eat gourd all the time and so I am loving it all the way.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Latha MadhusudhanApril 30, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    My enemy, I hate this veg. considering the health benefits I make to have it once in a while in any form. Looks so crispy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pavithra RApril 30, 2013 at 8:49 PM

      I can understand, this can never be a lovable veggie for sure :-)
      But yes, I too eat this only because it is healthy.

      Delete
  7. ReniApril 30, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    This is exactly the way my mom makes it :)I'm not a fan of this veg but i love it with curd rice too..looks gud :)

    ReplyDelete

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