Bitter gourd, also known as karela, is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown for its edible fruit, which is among the most bitter of all fruits. It has a distinct, warty exterior and an oblong shape. The color of the fruit ranges from green to yellow-orange as it ripens. Bitter gourd is commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cooking.
Nutritional Value
Bitter gourd is rich in vital nutrients and offers several health benefits. Here is a breakdown of its nutritional content per 100 grams:
- Calories: 17 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.7 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Vitamin C: 84 mg (140% of the Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 471 IU (9% of the Daily Value)
- Folate: 72 mcg (18% of the Daily Value)
- Potassium: 296 mg (8% of the Daily Value)
- Iron: 0.43 mg (2% of the Daily Value)
- Magnesium: 16 mg (4% of the Daily Value)
Importance and Health Benefits
- Blood Sugar Regulation:
- Bitter gourd contains compounds like charantin and polypeptide-p, which have been shown to lower blood glucose levels. It's often used in traditional medicine for managing diabetes.
- Rich in Antioxidants:
- The high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall immune health.
- Digestive Health:
- The fiber content in bitter gourd aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. It also supports a healthy gut microbiome.
- Weight Management:
- Low in calories and high in fiber, bitter gourd can help in weight management by promoting satiety and reducing overall calorie intake.
- Liver Health:
- Bitter gourd is believed to detoxify the liver and improve liver function, which is essential for overall health and detoxification processes in the body.
- Skin Health:
- The antibacterial and antifungal properties of bitter gourd can help in treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
- Cancer Prevention:
- Some studies suggest that bitter gourd extract can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may have potential anti-cancer properties, particularly against breast, prostate, and colon cancers.
Find out recipe details below:
Main Ingredients:-
Bitter Gourd (Karela) - 500 gm
Raw Mango - 150 gm
Onion - 200 gm
Garlic - 1 medium
Green Chilli - 5 nos
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
Mustard Seeds - 3 tbsp
Fenugreek Dry Leaves - 1 tsp
Bay Leaves - 2 nos
Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1 tsp
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - as per taste
Mustard Oil - 6 tbsp
Serves - 3-4
Procedure:-
Prepare the Bitter Gourd (Karela):-
Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and slit them lengthwise.
Prepare the Filling:-
Grate or finely chop the raw mango.
Finely chop the onions.
Peel and mince the garlic.
Finely chop the green chilies.
Prepare the paste:-
In a blender, make a smooth paste of mustard seeds, green chilli and garlic by adding little amount of water into it.
Saute the Filling & Bitter Gourd (Karela) :-
In a wok, add the prepared paste with chopped onions, bitter gourd, grated raw mangoes, turmeric powder, garam masala and salt.
Mix well all the ingredients by adding water into it and cover it with the lid.
With the regular interval of time, saute all these ingredients till the water dry.
Prepare & Cook the Filling:-
Once the filling has cooled, remove the seeds and keep them aside.
In a blender, make a paste of these seeds.
Now heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a pan.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaves and fenugreek dry leaves and let them splutter.
Now add the seeds paste and rest fillings except bitter gourd.
Mix well all the ingredients till the mixture dry.
Once the mixture dry, keep it cool in a room temperature.
Stuff Bitter Gourd (Karela):-
Stuff the mixture into the slitted bitter gourd (Karelas).
Cook the Stuffed Karela:-
Heat the remaining 2 tbsp mustard oil in a wide pan.
Place the stuffed bitter gourd in the pan and cook on medium to high heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Cover the pan and cook until the bitter gourd are tender and slightly crispy on the outside, around 5-10 minutes.
Cook the Gravy:-
Once the stuffed bitter gourd fried, keep them aside.
For gravy, take a wide pan add remaining 2 tbsp of mustard oil on medium to high heat.
Add the remaining mixture with little amount of water to make a gravy.
Once it started boiling add stuffed bitter gourd into it and mix well.
Cook the bitter gourd for 5 minutes.
Serve:-
Serve the Masala Karela Bharwa hot with roti, paratha, or as a side dish with rice.
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