Karela, also known as Bitter Gourd, is a healthy and versatile fruit. It is a fruit which benefits all age groups and is full of essential nutrients. Karela is classified as both fruit and vegetable. Karela contains seeds so biologically it can be called fruit. As it is used in cooking and it is cooked as a vegetable, therefore, it is also recognised as a vegetable.
Generally grown in the sub-tropical climates of Asia, Karela is a very powerful cleanser and detoxifier. Bitter Gourd, as the name suggests, is indeed bitter in taste. But Karela has very important benefits for our body. This beauty of nature is all in one package for many of our problems.
Karela prevents increased blood sugar levels and regulates it. It also fights insulin resistance. Karela helps in triggering cancer cells as to prevent this deadly disease. It removes body toxins and other undesirable wastes and fills us wi good nutrients. It facilitates digestion. Being high in fibres and low in carbohydrates, Karela and its juice might just be the right thing for weight loss. Karela also gives us flawless skin and it boosts our immunity. Regular consumption also helps in efficient bowel movement. Karela removes the sputum which is generated due to these problems and helps in clearing your respiratory tract.
Bitter Gourd is dense in precious nutrients but is really low in calories. It is an excellent source of Vitamin B1, B2 and B3, C, Magnesium, Folate, Zinc, Phosphorus, Manganese and has high dietary fibre. It is rich in Iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.
Karela is made into various recipes and delicacies. Even being bitter it enhances its taste in the recipe and smells delicious. One of them is Karela Bharta. It is a yummy dish to savour on. Bharta is a very easy and stress-free dish. This Bharta can be enjoyed with hot puris and chapattis. It is a perfect and healthy dish. Learn how to make Karela Bharta!
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 15 Minutes
Karela/ Bitter gourd – 250 gram
Ginger – 1 teaspoon
Garlic – 1 teaspoon
Onion – 1
Green chilli – 2
Tomato – 1
Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
1. Peel off the skin and remove the seeds from the karela. Chop into very small pieces as shown below in the picture.
2. Put chopped karela in the to pressure cooker along with some water and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook it for about 5 minutes. Drain it using a strainer to discard water.
3. Take cooked karela and coarsely mashed with potato mashers. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté ginger and garlic in it.
4. Add onion and green chilli, fry it until it turns golden brown. Then add mashed karela and cook it on medium heat for about 2 minutes.
5. Then add tomato, turmeric powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix it well and cook on slow heat for about 8-10 minutes. Karela bharta is ready to serve hot with puri or chapatti.