5 Healthy Karela Recipes You Should Try For Weeknight Dinners

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon in India, is typically found in tropical and subtropical locations around the world. It is a member of the cucurbit or gourd family, which also contains watermelons, cucumbers, and a variety of squash and gourds. It is mostly grown in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean islands.

Unfortunately, bitter gourd is one of the world's most underappreciated vegetables. It has a poor popularity rating because of its strong, bitter flavour. Bitter gourd, on the other hand, is commonly used in Asian nations such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The Chinese utilise it as a flavouring agent in some of their most delightful stir-fries, herbal teas, and traditional beers. It is very important in Okinawan cuisine in Japan (cuisine prevalent in the Okinawa islands of Japan). Bitter gourd is used in various nations to make drinks, prepare dishes with meat and seafood such as prawns and shrimps, pickles, rapid stir-fries, and even roasted into snacks. Now you know how traditionally-rich this vegetable is and not only that, it is also healthy. That is why we bring you the best karela recipes you can try for your dinner.

1. Karela Curry

Bitter gourd curry, also known as Karela sabzi in India, is a semi-dry side dish made with sliced or chopped bitter gourd, onions, and crushed spices. A traditional tempering of cumin seeds, curry leaves, and a light sprinkle of spicy spices is all that is required to transform this into a delectable side dish. This bitter gourd curry is a wholesome and diabetic-friendly dish that goes well with rice, roti, chapati, or as a side in any Indian dinner. It's a fantastic complement to lunch boxes and weeknight dinners, and it keeps well. The dish is simple and easy to prepare. Here's the recipe.

2. Khatta-Meetha Karela

khatta-meetha karela is a dish in which bitter gourd is cooked with cumin, chiles, ginger, coriander, and turmeric. It's a tasty vegetarian recipe that really brings out the karela. The sweetness derives from tamarind paste and jaggery, an Asian unrefined sugar with a gently caramelised flavour. All of these components combine to create a sweet and sour flavour, adding a unique flavour and helping to balance out any bitterness from the bitter gourd. With other Indian foods and hot chapatis, serve khatta-meetha karela. Try this recipe.

3. Karela Stir-Fry

Here's a stir fry that's not only vegan and simple to make, but will also change your mind about the underappreciated karela. This Karela Fry dish is gently spicy and acidic, which balances the bitter karela tones. The Bitter Gourd Fry or Kakarakaya Fry cooks rapidly and has a distinct flavour character. Here's the recipe.

4. Bharwa Karela

Bharwa karela is a traditional North Indian recipe for stuffed bitter gourd. This meal can be made in a variety of ways, from a dry sauteed dish to a curried one. Bharwan karela, with its bitter notes from bitter gourd balanced by the sweetness of the caramelised onion, is an excellent vegan side dish with roti, paratha, naan, or any North Indian vegetarian meal. Here's the recipe.

5. Karela Bhurji

Karela bhurji is made by frying karela/bitter gourd with a few spices in a pan. When served with hot phulkas, karela bhurji is at its best. Karela can be produced in a variety of styles and this bhurji is one of the very best. Try this unique karela recipe, which makes the dish crispy and tasty. This recipe is also suitable for trips and travels. Check this recipe out.