From chips to sabzi: 5 creative ways to eat karela without hating it!

Summer heat can drain energy, cause dehydration, and leave you feeling sluggish. But nature has a solution¡ªkarela (bitter gourd)! This green, bumpy vegetable is packed with antioxidants, helps regulate blood sugar, improves digestion, and keeps your skin glowing even in the heat. While its bitterness makes many people avoid it, the right recipes can turn bitter gourd into a flavorful, delicious dish. Whether you¡¯re craving a crunchy snack, a refreshing detox drink, or a wholesome family meal, these easy recipes will help you embrace bitter gourd in ways you never thought possible.

1. Crispy masala karela chips: The ultimate guilt-free snack

Bitter gourd chips Credit: Freepik

Craving a crunchy, spicy snack without the guilt? These bitter gourd chips are your answer! Take 2 medium bitter gourds, slice them thinly, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over them. Let them rest for 10 minutes, then rinse to remove excess bitterness. In a bowl, mix the slices with 2 tablespoons of besan (gram flour), 1 teaspoon of rice flour, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Toss everything well so the bitter gourd slices are evenly coated. Heat oil in a pan and shallow-fry them on medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on a tissue and enjoy it with tea or as a crunchy snack while watching your favorite show!

2. Stuffed karela: A family dinner delight

Stuffed bitter gourd

A bitter gourd dish so flavorful and tender that even kids won¡¯t complain! Take 4 small bitter gourds, make a slit in each lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Rub a little salt inside and leave them for 15 minutes. For the stuffing, heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil and roast 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Add 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, half a teaspoon of turmeric, and salt. Once the masala is cooked, stuff it inside the bitter gourd and tie them with a thread so the filling doesn¡¯t fall out. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and cook the stuffed bitter gourd on low heat, turning them occasionally until they are soft and slightly crispy. Serve hot with chapati and dal for a satisfying family dinner!

3. Karela stir-fry with peanuts: A quick and tasty lunch fix

Bitter gourd with peanuts Credit: Freepik

Short on time but want something healthy? This quick stir-fry can be your go-to dish! Take 2 bitter gourds, slice them thinly, and soak them in salted water for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and pat dry. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1 dried red chili. Once they start to crackle, add the bitter gourd slices and stir-fry for about 10 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of roasted, crushed peanuts over the dish. This gives the bitter gourd a crunchy twist, balancing the flavors. Enjoy it with hot chapatis or mix it with rice for a quick and delicious lunch!

4. Karela juice with lemon: A detox drink for hot mornings

Bitter gourd juice Credit: Freepik

Hate bitter gourd but love glowing skin? This detox drink is for you! Take 1 medium bitter gourd, wash it well, and chop it into small pieces. Blend it with half a cup of water until smooth, then strain the juice using a sieve. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and add a pinch of black salt. This drink helps flush out toxins, improves digestion, and keeps your skin fresh and glowing.

5. Karela and potato sabzi: A lunch staple

Karela and potato curry Credit: Freepik

This everyday sabzi combines crispy bitter gourd with soft potatoes, making it the perfect lunch staple. Take 2 bitter gourd and 2 potatoes, slice them into thin rounds. Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan, add cumin seeds. Add 1 finely chopped onion and roast until golden brown. Then, add the sliced bitter gourd and potatoes along with 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and salt to taste. Stir everything well and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the potatoes are soft and the bitter gourd is slightly crispy, your sabzi is ready.

Bitter gourd doesn¡¯t have to be the villain on your plate! With the right recipes, it transforms into a flavorful delight. This summer, try these recipes, and you might just find yourself craving this superfood more than ever!