Bitter gourd fry fits the bill for a quick fix meal and for that reason, it is one of my favorite recipes among the bitter gourd recipes. If you are entertaining guests, make this bitter gourd curry that goes well with rice as well as roti or chapati.
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About this recipe
This bitter gourd curry a.k.a Karela Sabji or Pavakka fry has a spicy note to it along with probiotic goodness from yogurt (vegan Plain flavor). It also packs tons of nutrients in one serving.
Don’t let the name mislead you. Bitter gourd can be bitter when it is raw, but with the right amount of spices, it makes up for the bitterness with its medicinal benefits.
Traditional Indian medicine suggests to use bitter gourds to aid in relieving diabetes, stomach complaints, cough and several other conditions. To realize the full benefits from bitter gourd, you would have to use it quite often and a quick fix recipe such as this one can come in very handy. Try this recipe today if you have stir fried bitter gourd before.
Ingredients
Bitter gourd - Look for bright green gourds with no scabs. Yellowish or red gourd indicates ripening gourd and does not suit this recipe.
Vegan yogurt - Yogurt is a key ingredient for marinating gourd.
Sambar powder - I added a little bit of sambar powder to give the curry, a little extra flavor. This step is totally optional.
How to make this recipe
This pavakkai fry does not get any easier. To begin with, you have to chop the bitter gourd into little circles or alone the length.(remove seeds)
Place a pan over medium heat and pour 4 tsp coconut oil. When it's hot add the cumin seeds. When it starts to sizzle, add the chopped onions and saute. When the onions turn translucent, add the chopped bitter gourd.
Continue to saute them until the bitter gourd is thoroughly cooked. Add the turmeric powder, yogurt, chili powder, and sambar powder continue to saute. Add salt.
In about 6- 8 minutes, the dish should be thoroughly cooked and crispy. Turn off the heat. And bitter gourd curry is ready!
Serving suggestions
These bitter gourd fry can be served as a side dish with a combination of dal or rasam and rice. You can also serve them with Indian flatbreads like chapati or roti.
Recipe FAQs
This Packs Several Important Nutrients. It Can help to reduce the Blood Sugar and also decrease Cholesterol levels.
All the steps like adding yogurt while cooking, addition of tamarind, and jaggery helps to reduce bitterness.
Store this in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Expert tips
- Before the cooking process, wash and thinly slice the bitter gourd.
- Always keep the flame in medium heat to avoid overcooking gourds.
- Add oil little by little when you fry the bitter gourd
- If you feel that the bitterness is still there, add some tamarind juice or lemon juice while frying. But remember to balance the spices accordingly to suit your taste preference.
- You can skip the onions if you want a no onion no garlic version of this recipe.
If this recipe interests you, look for similar recipes in my blog such as the
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📖 Recipe
Bitter Gourd Fry
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium size bitter gourd - washed, gutted and chopped
- 1 Red onion
- 2 tsp chili powder - use little, if you don't prefer spicy
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp sambar powder
- 3 tbsp yogurt - vegan
- Salt
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
Instructions
- To begin with, you have to chop the bitter gourd into little circles or along the length. (remove seeds)
- Place a pan over medium heat and pour 4 tsp coconut oil. When it's hot add the cumin seeds. When it starts to sizzle, add the chopped onions and saute. When the onions turn translucent, add the chopped bitter gourd.
- Continue to saute them until the bitter gourd is thoroughly cooked. Add the turmeric powder, yogurt, chili powder, and sambar powder continue to saute. Add salt.
- In about 6- 8 minutes, the dish should be thoroughly cooked and crispy. Turn off the heat. And bitter gourd curry is ready!
Video
Notes
- Before the cooking process, wash and thinly slice the bitter gourd.
- Always keep the flame in medium heat to avoid overcooking gourds.
- Add oil little by little when you fry the bitter gourd
- If you feel that the bitterness is still there, add some tamarind juice or lemon juice while frying. But remember to balance the spices accordingly to suit your taste preference.
- You can skip the onions if you want a no onion no garlic version of this recipe.
Nutrition
UPDATE NOTE: This recipe was originally published on April 25, 2016. It was updated on January 11, 2021, with new photos and text.
Hauke Fox
Bitter gourd? Sounds definitely interesting. The bitter taste is not used much at all in most dishes, I'd love to give it a shot 🙂
Uma Srinivas
thank you Hauke!
Molly ~ EasycookingwithMolly
Bitter Gourds are very much liked at our house and I love your recipe. Will try soon.
Uma Srinivas
Thank you Molly 🙂
The Vegan 8
Oh I bet this is so delicious and spicy too! Mmmmm! Love all those spices!
Uma Srinivas
Thank you Brandi 🙂
Linda @ Veganosity
I've never had bitter gourd, but it looks amazing. I love the spices in this dish. Perfect for a party!
Uma Srinivas
Thank you Linda.
Mel @ avirtualvegan.com
It looks delicious and I have never tried bitter gourd. I need to look out for it!
Mackenzie
I'm one of those weird people who really likes to eat bitter things. This looks delicious! I hope to try it soon!
Uma Srinivas
I don't think that's weird. It's an acquired taste 🙂 Thank you 🙂
Aimée / Wallflower Girl
Another gorgeous recipe! I love anything coated in besan flour 🙂
Uma Srinivas
Thanks Aimee:)
Anjali
Looks great!! My mom loves bitter gourd!
Uma Srinivas
Nice to know about your mom's taste. My mother likes this too. 🙂
Natalie
This looks delicious Uma! I'd love to make this!
Uma Srinivas
Thanks Natalie. Let me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
one of my favorite dishes in the whole wide world!!!!!
Uma Srinivas
Good to know that some people are like me:)
CraftyPioneer (@CraftyPioneer)
Awesome article thanks for the ingredients for the Spicy bitter gourd curry, can't wait to try it out.
Christine | Vermilion Roots
This recipe reminds me of my love for bitter gourd. I need to start eating it again, and definitely in a curry as delicious as this looks. 🙂
Uma Srinivas
Thank you Christine. This is one of the healthy veggie.
veggiesdontbite
Never heard of a bitter gourd! Looks like such a simple recipe! Those are the best.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome! I've never been able to find bitter gourd!
Uma Srinivas
Thank you Rebecca! You can find in Asian market or Indian stores!