Nature has not only given us an unlimited variety of food to consume but food which has immense medicinal, healing, disease preventing as well as curing powers. Our humble bitter gourd tops the list.
Choosing to eat bitter gourd is like choosing bitter and dark chocolate over regular chocolate.
Traditionally karela is made after peeling it off and then soaking it in salty water, squeezing out the bitterness and then frying it. No doubt it tastes great but you lose out on the benefits too as a lot of nutrients are drained away.
In my recipe today we will try to overcome the bitterness by combining a lot of onions and a potato and a little tomato sauce.
If you want you can always soak the karela after chopping it in salted water and follow the rest of the recipe.
Benefits of Karela / Bitter gourd
Popularly known as karela in India, Bitter gourd belongs to gourd family, it grows on a vine plant widely in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. Many may consider it as vegetable, but actually it’s a fruit which is used in numerous ways whether it is prepared as a recipe or used for its medicinal property. Every part of this plant has benefits and is put to use in different ways. It may not taste great like other vegetables and because of its bitterness, but do you know the benefits it has within itself? After knowing the benefits, I am sure you would certainly like to prepare at home.
Rich in antioxidants
Karela is rich in antioxidants. Including them in the diet helps in prevention of strokes and diseases related to cardiovascular system.
Natural medicine for diabetic people
Drinking Karela juice reduces the blood sugar levels in diabetic patients who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is so effective that many people had to change their medicine intake for diabetes.
Rich source of vitamins and minerals
Bitter gourd has various vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and C. Minerals like iron, zinc, potassium and folate are found in it.
Used in Ayurveda
Karela has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times. It is used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The liquid contains hypoglycemic property which aids in curing this disease and is no less than a boon for diabetic patients.
Prevents cancer
The antioxidant properties in Karela help in the prevention of cancer by fighting against the cancer cells, preventing tumors.
Immunity booster
Strong immunity helps to fight against diseases. Vitamin C in bitter gourd aids in boosting immunity, keeping the diseases at bay.
Good for weight loss
Bitter gourd has low carbs and is rich in fiber. It helps in weight loss by preventing the fat cells storage in the body and increasing metabolism. Increased metabolism helps to burn the stored fat faster.
Healing properties
Karela has healing properties and when one extracts its juices and applies them on the wounds it acts as a natural healer, just like we apply medicine on our wounds.
Keeps the cholesterol in control
Bitter gourd lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) preventing heart diseases, making the cardio system function smoothly.
Boost energy levels
Adding the bitter gourd to the diet helps to boost the energy levels, keeping one active and energetic throughout the day.
Sharp vision
Vitamin A content in karela keeps the vision sharp. It is also known to cure dark circles around the eyes which are formed due to lack of sleep or by continuous strain on the eyes.
An antidandruff solution
Bitter gourd acts as an anti-dandruff solution. One can do this by cutting the bitter gourd and using its liquid extract. Apply it on the head and massage for 10-15 minutes. Rinse hair. Repeating the process twice a week will help you get rid of dandruff.
Ingredients (serve - 4 pax)
250 gms/ 6-7 bitter gourd
1 potato
4 large onions thinly sliced
3 tbsp tomato sauce
1tsp salt
1/4 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp coriander powder
1 tbsp chat masala
1 tbsp garam masala
4 tbsp oil
Photo wise steps
1) Cut potato into batons.
2) Cut bitter gourd into thin round slices.
3) Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan.
4) Add onions.
5 & 6) Then add potatoes, karela and mix.
7) Stir for 2 minutes.
8) Cover and cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally in between.
9) Open the lid. The vegetables have softened and started browning.
10) Keep stirring and cook on high flame for 5 minutes to roast nicely.
11 & 12) Now mix all the dry masalas and reduce the flame to a minimum.
13) Add the dry masala.
14) Stir and cook for two minutes.
15) Add the tomato sauce mix.
16) Put off the flame.
Serve hot.
Video Steps
Method
Cut potato into batons.
Cut bitter gourd into thin round slices.
Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Add onions, potato and karela and mix and stir for 2 minutes. Cover and cook for 20 minutes stirring occasionally in between.
Open the lid. The vegetables have softened and started browning. Keep stirring and cook on high flame for 5 minutes to. Roast nicely.
Now mix all the dry masalas and reduce the flame to a minimum.
Add the dry masala and stir and cook for two minutes.
Add the tomato sauce mix and put off the flame.
Conclusion
Karela is also known as bitter gourd. It grows on vine plants widely in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world.
Traditionally bitter gourd is made after peeling it off and then soaking it in salty water, squeezing out the bitterness, but you lose out on the benefits too as a lot of nutrients are drained away.
I have tried to overcome the bitterness by combining a lot of onions and a potato and a little tomato sauce.
They are rich in vitamin A and C. Rich in minerals like iron, zinc, potassium and folate.
It helps prevention of diabetes type 1 and type 2.
Bitter gourd juice is highly beneficial as it is rich in antioxidants and helps to keep the cardiovascular system functioning smoothly.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is only for educational purposes and has no intention of hurting anyone in any manner. The medicinal benefits described may not be accurate, always research and consult your doctor first before putting them into practice.
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