Masala/Spiced Karela (Bitter Gourd) Recipe

Name: Masala/Spiced Karela (Bitter Gourd)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium bitter melons, washed and cut into 1 inch size pieces; 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped; 3 onions, sliced into wafer thin pieces; 2 green chilies, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon Urad Dal; 2 tablespoons curry leaves; ½ cup tamarind juice; salt; 1 ½ cups fresh coconut, grated; 7 red chilies; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon coriander seed; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

Servings: persons

4 medium bitter melons, washed and cut into 1 inch size pieces
4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
3 onions, sliced into wafer thin pieces
2 green chilies, finely chopped
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon Urad Dal
2 tablespoons curry leaves
½ cup tamarind juice
salt
1 ½ cups fresh coconut, grated
7 red chilies
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon coriander seed
½ teaspoon turmeric powder

1
In a broad heavy pan, pour the oil.
2
Add the mustard seeds, urad dal, 1 tablespoons.
3
of curry leaves and fry well.
4
Add the onions and bittergourd.
5
Fry for 5 minutes or so till it is reddish in colour.
6
Add the green chillies, tomatoes and salt to taste.
7
Fry for another 3 minutes.
8
In the meantime, fry the ingredients of the masala with 1 tablespoons.
9
of curry leaves in a wok without oil in low heat.
10
When the masala becomes red in colour, cool it and make it into a paste by just sprinkling water in a mixer.
11
Add the ground masala into the pan when the tomatoes are cooked.
12
Add the tamarind juice, check the salt and add 2 cups of water to the pan.
13
Cover the pan tightly and simmer on low flame.
14
After 15-20 minutes, when you open the pan, you will see the oil floating on the vegetable.
15
Switch off the gas, serve hot with rice/rotis alongwith raita.

117

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 medium bitter melons, washed and cut into 1 inch size pieces, 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped, 3 onions, sliced into wafer thin pieces, 2 green chilies, finely chopped, and more.

Yes, Masala/Spiced Karela (Bitter Gourd) falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Masala/Spiced Karela (Bitter Gourd)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions