UP-Style Karela With Garlic Recipe | Bitter Gourd Made Tasty

Bitter gourd, or karela, is often dreaded for its strong bitter flavor, but in Uttar Pradesh (UP) style cooking, it transforms into a delicious and flavorful dish that even bitter gourd skeptics will enjoy. This recipe uses garlic generously, which not only adds a wonderful aroma but also balances the bitterness, making the karela crispy and savory.

The secret lies in slicing the karela thinly, salting it to reduce bitterness, and then stir-frying it with garlic and simple spices until perfectly cooked with a slight crunch. This UP-style karela recipe is easy, quick, and packs a punch of flavor, making bitter gourd a delightful accompaniment for your everyday meals. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, karela is a healthy vegetable that deserves a place in your kitchen repertoire.

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UP-Style Karela With Garlic Recipe | Bitter Gourd Made Tasty

Author: ganesh

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 2.50 Calories: 90 kcal (per serving)

Best Season: Summer, Monsoon

Description

A classic Uttar Pradesh-style bitter gourd recipe cooked with garlic and spices to reduce bitterness and enhance taste.

Ingredient

Servings

• 3 medium karela (bitter gourds)
• 6 garlic 6-8 cloves – finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 green 1-2 chilies – sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp oil (mustard or vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp salt (for salting karela)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Karela

   Wash karela and slice thinly. Sprinkle salt over the slices and mix well. Let them rest for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then rinse and squeeze out excess water.

1. Heat Oil and Temper Spices

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

1. Add Garlic and Chilies

   Add chopped garlic and green chilies to the oil. Sauté until the garlic turns light golden and fragrant.

1. Cook Karela

   Add the squeezed karela slices to the pan. Mix well and cook on medium heat.

1. Add Spices

   Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir to coat karela evenly with spices.

1. Fry Until Crispy

   Cook karela uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy and cooked through.

1. Finish with Lemon Juice and Garnish

   Turn off the heat, add lemon juice, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

1. Serve Hot

   Serve as a side dish with roti, paratha, or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 90kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Sodium 350mg15%

Potassium 250mg8%

Total Carbohydrate 7g3%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 2g4%

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Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 35 mg

Iron 1.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serving Suggestions:

• Pairs excellently with dal, plain rice, or chapati.

Variations:

• Add a pinch of amchur (dry mango powder) for extra tang.
• Use mustard oil for a pungent traditional flavor.

Pro Tips:

• Salting karela and rinsing helps reduce excessive bitterness.
• Cook on medium heat to avoid burning garlic.
• Slice karela thinly for better texture and even cooking.

Keywords: karela recipe, bitter gourd recipe, UP style karela, garlic karela, healthy vegetable recipe