Bitter is a flavour that stands out in Indian cuisine, yet many people hesitate to include it in their daily meals. However, it is possible to enjoy the bitterness alongside other delectable tastes in a single dish. Indian regional cuisine celebrates this unique flavour with a variety of dishes made using seasonal or local ingredients and spices like fenugreek, mustard leaves and seeds, bitter gourd, and more. These bitter dishes are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits.
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One of the classic examples of incorporating bitter flavours is shukto from Bengali cuisine. This dish is a medley of vegetables, including bitter gourd, cooked with mustard seeds, panch phoron (a five-spice blend), and a hint of sweetness from sugar or jaggery, balancing the bitterness perfectly. Another popular dish is gud ka karela from Uttar Pradesh, where bitter gourd is cooked with jaggery, creating a delightful sweet-bitter combination. The bitterness of the gourd is mellowed by the sweetness, making it a palatable and nutritious dish.
In Maharashtra, karela bhaji is a common dish where bitter gourd is stir-fried with onions, spices, and sometimes grated coconut, creating a flavourful side dish that pairs well with chapatis. Similarly, in Gujarat, a unique preparation called karela nu shaak combines bitter gourd with peanuts and a mix of spices, offering a crunchy and flavourful experience.
Bitter foods are known for their numerous health benefits. Bitter gourd, for instance, is rich in vitamins and minerals and is known to aid in digestion, improve blood sugar levels, and boost immunity. Including these bitter dishes in your diet not only adds variety to your meals but also contributes to overall well-being. Embracing the bitter flavour in Indian cuisine can transform your culinary experience, offering a blend of tastes that is both satisfying and beneficial to health.
6 Bitter And Delectable Dishes Of India
Shukto
Shukto is the star of Bengali cuisine. This classic dish, featuring a variety of vegetables like drumsticks, eggplant, potatoes, etc., is cooked with a unique fusion of spices where the bitterness in the dish comes from bitter gourd and the sweet taste from sweet potato. It is tempered with mustard, and poppy seed paste gives the dish a rich and creamy texture. It is an important element on the Bengali thali, and it is also made during the famous Durga puja.
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Palak Methi Dal
Palak methi dal is one of the staple dishes prepared in Indian homes. This dish combines the bitter flavour of fenugreek leaves and the mineral-rich taste of spinach. This nutritious as well as hearty lentil stew is tempered with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices at the time of culinary. This dish tempts your taste buds by balancing the tartness of tomatoes, the sweetness of onions, and other flavours of spinach and methi.
Nimba Kadhi Bhaja
Nimba kadhi bhaja is a unique dish that is mostly prepared in Odisha. It combines bitter and tangy flavours with a delightful crunch. This traditional dish combines the bitter character of neem with savoury flavours of eggplant and potatoes, which is the standout choice for people who prefer bold and complex flavours. Nimba kadhi Bhaja is typically served as a side dish or appetizer. It pairs well with steamed rice and dal or can be enjoyed as a crispy snack.
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Kothavarangai Paruppu Usili
Kothavarangai Paruppu Usili is one of the Tamil Iyer home specialties. It is made with steamed toor dal, cooked cluster or bitter beans, and then tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. You can enhance the taste of this dish by pairing it with sambar or rice.
Hagalkai Palya
Hagalkai Palya Is the south Indian recipe where Hagalkai refers to the bitter gourd. This dish is prepared by stir-frying bitter gourd and balancing the aromatic spices and fresh ingredients like grated coconut, which results in a satisfying and hearty dish. It goes well when paired with chapatis, which provide a wholesome experience.
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Gud Ka Karela
Gud ka karela is a sabzi that is made in Uttar Pradesh. In its preparation, bitter gourd is cooked with jaggery or gud; doing this gives a unique bittersweet flavour as the caramel of the jaggery enhances the dish. You can serve it with poris or parathas when having a delectable meal.