Karele ki Bhujiya- Thinly sliced bitter gourd slices stir fried with few basic Indian spices
Karele ki bhujiya is the simplest recipe of making karela/ bitter gourd. There are many who just dislike karela due to its slight bitter taste. But in my family we all like karela in which ever way it is made.
As we all know karela has numerous health benefits. It is very good for diabetics, liver problem, respiratory diseases and also prevents premature aging and make the skin soft and supple. Karela helps in digestion by producing enzymes which helps in good digestion. It high in fiber so aids in weight loss and good to cure constipation if used regularly. so many health benefits by eating this slightly bitter karela.
Though The most popular karela recipe in U.P and Punjab is bharwa karela/ stuffed bitter gourd. But making bharwa karela need quite some time and patience . This karela ki bhujiya is a very simple ,quick and delicious recipe.
What is karele ki bhujiya
In U. P we make so many type of bhujiya . Bhujiya is nothing special, just thinly sliced vegetables, stir fried in few basic spices till they become crisp. Aloo bujiya, Arbi ki bhujiya, Parwal ki bhujiya are the most popular ones. Bhujiya is mostly served as a side dish with daal -chawal or khichdi meal. It is a rustic style simple roz ka khana type sabzi made with few spices only.
How To Make Karele Ki Bhujiya
Making Karele ki bhujiya is very simple. If possible then try to choose small tender karela's for making bhujiya. Peeling the karela skin is optional. If the karela peel is not good or fresh then I very lightly peel karela using a potato peeler . If the karela'e are fresh and tender then I don't peel them at all.
After peeling make thin slices of karela and mix some salt in the slices and keep aside for minimum 30 minutes. Then wash with enough water.(This step is optional)
Traditionally bhujiya is made in mustard oil but you can use any cooking oil of your choice .
Heat Mustard oil in a heavy bottom wide pan/ kadhai. Add turmeric in the oil and then add the sliced karela in the pan. Add salt and mix well. Saute for 2-3 minutes with out covering the pan. when the karela-s are half done then open the pan. keep stirring the karela's at regular interval so they get cooked and become slight crisp.
When the karela's are done add fennel powder, mango powder and red chili powder and saute for a minute.
QUICK METHOD - If you are in hurry then after adding in the pan just stir for a minute .cover the pan and cook till done. Do keep stirring in between. When karela slices become soft then add the spices and stir for a minute.
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