Delicious Karela Besan Recipe: A Healthy and Tasty Indian Delight

The Karela Besan recipe is a flavorful Indian dish that transforms the often-misunderstood bitter gourd into a delicious and nutritious meal.

By combining crispy fried karela with a spicy, tangy gravy, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the health benefits of bitter gourd.

With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for serving with rice or roti.

Bitter gourd, also known as karela, might not be everyone’s favorite vegetable due to its bitterness.

However, when cooked correctly, it transforms into a delicious and nutritious dish.

Our Easy Karela Besan recipe marries the unique taste of bitter gourd with the rich flavors of gram flour and a savory gravy, making it a delightful addition to your meal repertoire.

Whether you are new to karela or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to win you over.

Ingredients list of Karela Besan Recipe.

• 4 medium-sized karela (bitter gourd)
• 1 and 1/2 cups besan (gram flour)
• Refined oil for frying karela
• Mustard oil for cooking
• 2 medium-sized onions
• 2 teaspoons grated garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 5 green chilies
• 2 dry chilies
• 1/3 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium-sized tomato
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Coriander leaves
• Water for gravy
• Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions of Karela Besan recipe.

Step 1: Prepare the Karela

Wash the karela thoroughly.

Cut the karela according to the photo instructions and remove the seeds.

Chop all the vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Besan Batter

In a bowl, mix 1 and 1/2 cups of besan with a little salt and a pinch of turmeric powder.

Add water gradually to make a batter that is not too runny or too thick.

Step 3: Fry the Karela

Heat refined oil in a pan.

Dip the karela slices into the besan batter, ensuring they are well-coated.

Fry the karela on medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Set the fried karela aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Gravy

In the same pan, heat a little mustard oil.

Add 2 dry chilies and 1/3 teaspoon cumin seeds. Stir for a few seconds.

Add chopped onions and fry until they turn light pink.

Add grated ginger, garlic, and chopped green chilies. Stir well for 2 minutes.

Add chopped tomato, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir until the tomato turns soft and mushy.

Mix 3 teaspoons of besan with water to make a runny mixture. Pour it into the masala and stir well.

Add water as required to make a gravy and bring it to a boil.

Add the fried karela to the gravy. Stir well and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat.

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.

Also Read:

Karela baingan ki sabji

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Pro Tips of Karela Besan Recipe

1. To reduce the bitterness of karela, you can soak the slices in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Fry the karela on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and turn crispy.
3. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Add more green chilies for extra heat or more tomatoes for tanginess.
4. Serve this dish with plain rice or roti to balance the flavors perfectly.

FAQs (Karela Besan Recipe)

What is Karela Besan Recipe?

The Karela Besan recipe is a popular Indian dish that combines bitter gourd (karela) with gram flour (besan) to create a flavorful and nutritious meal.

The dish involves frying slices of bitter gourd coated in a besan batter and then cooking them in a spicy and tangy gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and various spices.

This recipe is an excellent way to enjoy the health benefits of bitter gourd while balancing its bitterness with the rich flavors of the gravy.

What is Karela?

Karela, also known as bitter gourd, is a vegetable known for its distinctive bitter taste and numerous health benefits.

How do you reduce the bitterness of Karela?

You can reduce the bitterness by soaking the sliced karela in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use any cooking oil of your choice for frying the karela.

Is Karela Besan a healthy dish?

Yes, it combines the health benefits of karela with the protein-rich besan, making it a nutritious dish.

Can I skip the besan batter step?

The besan batter adds a unique flavor and texture, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted to your taste.

The given recipe has a moderate level of spice.

What can I serve with Karela Besan Recipe?

It pairs well with plain rice, roti, or any Indian bread.

Can I make this Karela Besan Recipe dish vegan?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.

How do I store leftovers Karela Besan Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze Karela Besan Recipe?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the karela may change.

What are the health benefits of karela?

Karela is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It is known for its benefits in managing diabetes, improving digestion, and boosting immunity.

Is this Karela Besan Recipe dish suitable for diabetic patients?

Yes, karela is beneficial for managing blood sugar levels, making this dish suitable for diabetics.

Can I add other vegetables to this karela besan recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes or peas to enhance the dish.

How long does it take to prepare this Karela Besan Recipe dish?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 45 minutes.

What can I do with leftover besan batter?

You can use leftover besan batter to make pakoras or other fried snacks.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.

What is the role of mustard oil in this recipe?

Mustard oil adds a distinctive flavor and enhances the taste of the dish.

How do I know when the karela is cooked?

The karela should be golden brown and crispy when cooked.

Can I make the gravy thicker?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of water or add more besan to make the gravy thicker.

Is it necessary to remove the seeds from the karela?

Removing the seeds helps reduce bitterness and makes the dish more palatable.

Can I use garlic paste instead of grated garlic?

Yes, garlic paste can be used as a substitute for grated garlic.

What kind of tomatoes should I use?

Use ripe, medium-sized tomatoes for the best flavor.

Can I add yogurt to the gravy?

Yes, adding yogurt can give a creamy texture and a slight tanginess to the gravy.

How do I make the dish less spicy?

Reduce the number of green chilies and red chili powder to make the dish less spicy.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve it hot with rice or roti for a complete meal.

Can I cook this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat before serving.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

The dish is naturally gluten-free as it uses besan (gram flour).

Is there a substitute for cumin seeds?

You can use fennel seeds as a substitute for cumin seeds.

Can I add lemon juice to this recipe?

Yes, a dash of lemon juice can enhance the flavors of the dish.

What other spices can I add?

You can experiment with spices like garam masala or amchur powder for additional flavor.

Can I use an air fryer instead of frying in oil?

Yes, you can use an air fryer to cook the karela slices.

This will make the dish healthier by reducing the amount of oil used.

Is it necessary to peel the karela before cooking?

It’s not necessary to peel the karela; however, you can lightly scrape the surface if you prefer a less bitter taste.

Can I add coconut milk to the gravy?

Yes, adding coconut milk can give the gravy a rich and creamy texture with a slightly sweet flavor that complements the bitterness of karela.

How can I store excess bitter gourd?

You can store excess karela in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

Ensure they are properly washed and cut before storing.

What is the origin of the Karela Besan recipe?

Karela Besan is a traditional Indian recipe, popular in various regional cuisines for its unique combination of flavors and health benefits.

Can I use other types of flour instead of besan?

Besan (gram flour) is preferred for its flavor and texture, but you can experiment with chickpea flour or lentil flour as alternatives.

How do I make the dish less oily?

To reduce oil, fry the karela slices in an air fryer or bake them in the oven.

Also, use minimal oil while preparing the gravy.

What are some common variations of this recipe?

Some variations include adding yogurt to the gravy, using different spices like garam masala, or incorporating other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy in a slow cooker.

However, it’s best to fry the karela separately and add them towards the end to maintain their texture.

Is Karela Besan suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, karela is low in carbs, and using besan keeps the dish relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for a low-carb diet.

How do I prevent the besan batter from becoming too thick while frying?

Add water gradually to the besan while mixing and ensure it has a smooth consistency.

If it thickens, add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, adding nuts like cashews or almonds can provide a nice crunch and additional flavor to the dish.

How do I make the gravy thicker without adding more besan?

You can reduce the gravy by simmering it for a longer time or add mashed potatoes to thicken it naturally.

What can I do with leftover fried karela slices?

Leftover fried karela slices can be used as a crispy topping for salads, mixed into a stir-fry, or enjoyed as a snack.

Can I prepare the besan batter in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the besan batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stir well before using.

Is Karela Besan recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses gram flour (besan) instead of wheat flour.

Can I add sugar to the recipe to balance the bitterness?

A small amount of sugar or jaggery can be added to the gravy to balance the bitterness of the karela.

What type of pan is best for this recipe?

A non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for frying the karela and preparing the gravy.

Can I use powdered spices instead of whole spices?

Yes, you can use powdered spices, but whole spices add a more intense and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Is there a specific season for karela?

Karela is typically available year-round, but its peak season is during the summer months.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

While traditionally vegetarian, you can add cooked meat like chicken or mutton to the gravy for a non-vegetarian version.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through.

Add a little water if the gravy has thickened too much.

Can I use ghee instead of oil?

Yes, using ghee instead of oil can add a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish.

How do I know if the karela is fresh?

Fresh karela should be firm, bright green, and free from blemishes or soft spots.

What can I do if the gravy is too spicy?

If the gravy is too spicy, add a dollop of yogurt or cream to mellow the heat.

Summary

The Karela Besan recipe is a flavorful Indian dish that transforms the often-misunderstood bitter gourd into a delicious and nutritious meal. By combining crispy fried karela with a spicy, tangy gravy, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the health benefits of bitter gourd. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for serving with rice or roti.

Enjoy this unique and healthy Karela Besan recipe, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family who might appreciate a new and exciting way to incorporate bitter gourd into their diet!