Bitter Gourd Vegetable Recipe – Easy, Healthy & Less Bitter Method

Bitter gourd vegetable recipe is one of those dishes that completely changed my opinion about this vegetable. I used to think bitter gourd was too bitter and difficult to enjoy, but when I tried cooking it the right way, I was surprised by how delicious it turned out. The flavors were balanced, lightly spiced, and truly satisfying. Since then, this recipe has become a regular part of my kitchen.

This dish is not only tasty but also very healthy. Many people avoid bitter gourd simply because they don’t know how to cook it properly. In this article, I will guide you step by step so that anyone even beginners can prepare a perfect bitter gourd dish at home.

Origin of Bitter Gourd Vegetable Recipe

Bitter gourd, also known as karela, has been used in Asian cooking for centuries. It is very popular in countries like Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Traditionally, families cooked it in different styles some with onions, some stuffed with spices, and some as a dry fry. Besides being a food item, it has also been valued for its medicinal benefits.

What Is Bitter Gourd?

Bitter gourd is a green vegetable with a naturally bitter taste. Its scientific name is Momordica charantia. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. People believe it helps in controlling blood sugar, improving digestion, and cleansing the body naturally.

Why Try This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthy without compromising taste. It uses simple ingredients, less oil, and easy cooking steps. Even if you never liked bitter gourd before, this method can change your mind.

Equipment Needed

• Frying pan or skillet for cooking
• Knife for slicing
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Plate with tissue to remove extra oil

Using the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Ingredients of Bitter Gourd Recipe

• 500 g bitter gourd
• 2 medium onions
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 4 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 green chilies
• Fresh coriander leaves

All these ingredients are simple and easily available everywhere.

Easy Method to Cook Bitter Gourd Recipe at Home

Start by preparing the bitter gourd in the right way. Take fresh pieces and wash them carefully with clean water. This helps remove any dust from the skin. After washing, place them on a board and cut them into round slices. Try to keep the size even so they cook at the same time.

The next step is to make the taste mild. Put all the slices in a bowl and sprinkle a little salt over them. Mix them gently with your hands and leave them for about twenty minutes. The salt will pull out some water from the bitter gourd, and this process reduces most of the strong bitterness. After waiting, press the slices lightly and remove the extra water.

Now it is time to cook. Heat a few spoons of oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the bitter gourd slices and fry them slowly. Do not fry them too much. The goal is only to make them soft and slightly golden. Stir them from time to time so they do not burn.

In another pan, prepare the flavor base. Add a little oil and put chopped onions in it. Cook the onions on low heat until they turn light brown and soft. This gives a sweet and rich taste to the dish. Then add chopped tomatoes and simple spices like salt, red chili, turmeric, and coriander powder. Cook this mixture for a few minutes until the tomatoes become soft and the spices mix well.

After that, add the fried bitter gourd into this masala. Mix everything slowly so the spices cover each slice. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it cook for around ten minutes. Slow cooking makes the vegetable absorb all the flavors and keeps the taste balanced.

At the end, add fresh green chilies and chopped coriander leaves on top. If you like a little sour taste, you can add a few drops of lemon juice. Mix once again and turn off the heat. The dish is now ready to serve with bread or rice.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Serving

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 3–4 people

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Fat: 7 g

It is a low-calorie and high-fiber meal.

How to Serve

Serve this dish hot with roti, rice, or lentils. Some people like to eat it with yogurt to balance the flavor.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Helps control blood sugar
• Good for weight management
• Improves skin health
• Supports digestion

FAQs

What can be done with bitter gourd?
 It can be fried, stuffed, cooked with onions, or even used for juice.

How to make bitter gourd taste good?
 Salting before cooking and using the right spices improves the taste.

What is the best way to eat bitter gourd?
 Cooking it with onions and mild spices is the easiest and tastiest way.

Is bitter gourd healthy?
 Yes, it is full of nutrients and very beneficial.

Can children eat bitter gourd?
 Yes, if cooked with mild spices and less chili.

Conclusion

If you have never enjoyed bitter gourd before, try this method once. This bitter gourd vegetable recipe is simple, healthy, and full of flavor. It proves that even a bitter vegetable can turn into a delicious meal when cooked the right way. Give it a try and enjoy a nutritious homemade dish.