Bitter Gourd Fry

Say goodbye to bland sides with this irresistibly crispy Bitter Gourd Fry, a flavorful twist on a traditional Indian favorite. Thinly sliced bitter gourd (karela) is marinated in a vibrant blend of turmeric, red chili, cumin, and coriander powders, along with a touch of gram flour for a deliciously spiced coating. The lightly salted and rinsed slices are fried until golden brown, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and bold flavors. Finished with a tangy splash of lemon juice and garnished with fresh coriander leaves, this dish is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or soft flatbreads. Whether you're a fan of karela or someone curious to try this healthy vegetable in a whole new way, this recipe transforms it into a lip-smacking treat you can’t resist! Perfect for adding variety to your weekday meals or impressing guests with unique, homemade Indian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams bitter gourd (karela)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder
• 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves

Directions

Step 1

Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

Step 2

Slice the bitter gourds into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Remove seeds if they are too mature or hard.

Step 3

Sprinkle the sliced bitter gourd with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mix well, and let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps to reduce their bitterness.

Step 4

After 15 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under water to remove excess salt and bitterness, then drain them well in a colander.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, fennel seeds, gram flour, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Step 6

Add the drained bitter gourd slices to the spice mixture and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices.

Step 7

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Step 8

Once the oil is hot, add the spiced bitter gourd slices in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them on medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Step 9

Remove the fried slices using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 10

Transfer the bitter gourd fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice, and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Step 11

Serve hot as a side dish with rice or flatbreads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	591.5 grams (591.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	554

Total Fat 45.20g	58%
Saturated Fat 3.10g	16%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2410mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 34.10g	12%
Dietary Fiber 18.30g	65%
Total Sugars 12.20g
Protein 10.10g	20%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 149mg	11%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 1918mg	41%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.7%

Protein: 6.9%

Carbs: 23.4%