Bitter gourd is a common vegetable eaten in India but is not loved by many, thanks to its bitter taste. It might be bitter, but it holds so many health benefits. Let us tell you that bitter gourd holds an abundance of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols. And this is a reminder of why you should start having this vegetable in your everyday diet.
I know it is hard to have a bitter vegetable but what if I tell you that there is an amazing or I should say a delicious way to have it? Yes, you can have this vegetable in a form of halwa. No, we are not joking. Karele ka halwa does exist and is very delicious. It isn’t bitter and looks amazing because of its bright green colour. It is packed with so many health benefits and could be a scrumptious dessert that you serve to your guests. Don’t get confused but look at the recipe that we have shared for you. Do try this recipe and bust all the misconceptions.
Ingredients
- 3 bitter gourds
- 3 tbsp desi ghee or clarified butter
- 6 to 7 tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup khoya
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- ¼ cup milk
- Handful of almonds (chopped)
- Handful of pistachios (chopped)
Method
- Wash the bitter gourds properly and peel them.
- Remove their seeds and wash them again.
- Cut them into small pieces and blend them into a smooth. (Make sure you don’t add any water in this blending process).
- Heat a pan and ghee to it.
- Add the blended bitter gourd paste and stir fry it.
- Fry until you see no moisture.
- Thereafter, add milk and mix well.
- Let it cook for a few more minutes.
- Add khoya and mix well.
- Add sugar and stir it well.
- Mix until the sugar melts completely.
- Then add roasted poppy seeds and keep stirring the mixture.
- Then, add cardamom powder and mix again.
- Add the chopped dry fruits and keep some for garnishing.
- Serve the halwa in a bowl and garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios.
Serve!