Most Indian homes and platters hardly ever include bitter gourd, or Indian karela. Even though this humble vegetable is abundant in vitamins A and C, potassium, zinc, iron, and folate, it is rarely greeted with a smile. This vegetable is highly recommended for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels and aids in the production of red blood cells and immunity. Dahi karela is one such recipe in which the bitter gourd is cooked with lots of spices and curd. The presence of curd reduces the bitterness of karela and enhances the overall flavour.
Ingredients
- 4 bitter gourds, medium-sized
- 2 potatoes
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon deghi mirch
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup grated coconut
- 2 green chillies
- 2 cups curd
- 1 teaspoon of besan
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon asafoetida
- ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1 sprig of curry Leaves
Method
For Preparing The Bittergourd And Potatoes
- Slice the bitter gourd finely. Potatoes should be peeled and chopped in the same manner.
- Add a half-teaspoon of deghi mirch and turmeric powder to the chopped vegetables.
- Rice flour, salt, and a tablespoon of hot coconut oil are added after thoroughly mixing. Give the veggie a good coating.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. Add and cook the coated vegetables for about 7–8 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked.
- Occasionally toss the vegetables while it's cooking.
To Prepare The Gravy
- Blend the green chillies and grated coconut into a homogeneous puree.
- Add and blend in the curd, besan, and sugar.
- To thin out the puree, add about a cup of water.
- To make the tempering, heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and fenugreek until the mustard seeds sputter.
- Pour in the ground puree and bring it to a boil along with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Salt the vegetables that have been air-fried and fold them into the gravy.
- Cook for a few minutes with a lid on top until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve it hot with steamed rice and enjoy.