Kurkure Karela is a crunchy and flavorful Indian snack made from thinly sliced bitter gourds (karela). The slices are seasoned with a blend of spices and then sautéed until crispy and golden brown. This dish transforms the naturally bitter taste of karela into a tasty, crispy treat that’s perfect as a healthy snack or side dish.
For a Serving Size of Two:
Ingredients:
- 2 small-sized bitter gourds (karela), thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon amchur powder (dry mango powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt
- Salt to taste
Procedure:
- Wash and slice the bitter gourds thinly. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the bitter gourd slices and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they start to turn crispy. Stir occasionally.
- Add turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and amchur powder. Mix well to coat the slices evenly. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the slices are crispy and golden brown.
- Adjust salt and seasoning to taste. Serve hot as a healthy snack or side dish.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Kurkure Karela offers numerous health benefits while providing a unique twist on traditional bitter gourd. Bitter gourd is known for its powerful health-promoting properties, including its high antioxidant content, which helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
- The use of olive oil instead of traditional cooking oils introduces healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Moreover, bitter gourd is known for its potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels, making this a suitable snack for individuals managing diabetes.
- Kurkure Karela is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a crispy, flavorful treat.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.3 g
- Fat: 10.7 g