Bitter gourd or karela has an extremely bitter taste but very helpful food.
Bitter gourds are rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and very low in calories.
It contains a plant insulin known to lower blood sugar levels. So its good for diabetic.
A typical regular Bengali lunch menu usually starts with a bitter dish ( specially in summer) through salty and spicy. It finish with a sweet sour chutney and sweet dish.
Today I made the bitter gourd with tomato. Tamatari karela.
Recipe
Bitter gourd/karela – 2 sliced in thin rings
Onion – 3 large, chopped in rings
Tomato – 3-4 large, chopped in rings
Salt to taste
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Garam masala powder – 1/4 teaspoon optional
Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1/2 teaspoon or as per taste
Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon or to taste optional
Oil – 2-3 tablespoon
Method
Heat oil in a nonstick pan. Add bitter gourd or karela fry for 3-4 minutes.
Then add the onion rings fry for some more time till the colour changes.
Add tomatoes, stir and add salt, sugar and all the spices.
Stir well and cover the pan. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes.
Stir again and cook another 5 minutes on low flame. Remove the lid, cook on high flame stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.
Tamatari karela or bitter gourd with tomato is ready. Garnish with onion rings. You can garnish with chopped coriander leaves too if you like.
Enjoy with steamed rice.
Batter Up With Sujata 