Shalimar believe that traditional recipes hold a special place in every home. One such iconic dish from South Asian cuisine is Karela Sabzi, a delightful blend of flavors where the natural bitterness of bitter gourd meets aromatic spices. Loved for its health benefits and unique taste, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy wholesome and nutritious meals. Today, we are sharing our special karela sabzi recipe so you can enjoy this restaurant-style goodness right at home.
What is Karela Sabzi?
Karela, also known as bitter gourd, is a vegetable recognized for its slightly bitter taste and medicinal benefits. In English, karela sabzi in English simply translates to bitter gourd curry or stir-fried bitter gourd. It is a staple in many households because it supports digestion, helps with detoxification, and is often recommended in a balanced diet.
Many people think that karela is too bitter to enjoy, but when cooked properly with the right spices, onions, yogurt, or tomatoes, the flavors come together beautifully. That’s why simple karela sabzi is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for healthy eating.
Shalimar-Style Karela Sabzi Recipe
Below is a step-by-step way to prepare this dish at home with the same flavorful taste that Shalimar offers.
Ingredients:
- 500g karela (bitter gourd), thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2–3 green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil as required
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the vegetable
Wash karela, slice it thinly, and sprinkle salt over it. Leave it for 20–30 minutes to reduce bitterness. Afterward, rinse well and squeeze out excess water. - Cook the karela
Heat oil in a pan and fry the sliced vegetable until lightly golden. Remove and keep aside. - Prepare the masala
In the same pan, add onions and sauté until golden. Add cumin, turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Stir well. - Add tomatoes and chilies
Cook until tomatoes soften and the oil separates. - Combine everything
Add the pre-fried karela into the masala, mix well, and cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes for the flavors to come together. - Final touch
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
The result is a delicious dish that balances flavors perfectly—just the way we prepare it for our guests at Shalimar.
Why Choose Karela Sabzi?
The dish is known for its incredible nutritional benefits. Calories in karela sabzi are quite low, making it ideal for people who prefer healthier meals. It supports weight management, blood sugar control, and digestive health. The combination of spices and fresh vegetables adds energy-boosting goodness to your lunch or dinner.
When served with chapati, paratha, or rice, it becomes a perfect balanced meal for any day of the week.
Expert Tips for Better Taste
- Sprinkle salt on bitter gourd slices before cooking to reduce bitterness.
- You can add yogurt or lemon juice for extra tanginess.
- Frying lightly helps maintain texture and flavor.
- Add dry mango powder for a savory twist if desired.
- Slow cooking brings out the best taste in the dish.
Whether you enjoy it dry or slightly saucy, karela sabzi recipe is loved by those who appreciate traditional, tasty, and healthy dishes.
Karela Sabzi and Its Calorie Value
Many health-conscious people ask about karela sabzi calories. While the count may vary by preparation style, this dish generally remains low in calories because bitter gourd itself is extremely light. When prepared with less oil, it becomes an excellent diet-friendly option. This makes it a great addition to a weekly meal plan for those aiming for fitness or balanced eating.
Why Shalimar Loves Serving This Dish
At Shalimar, our chefs bring tradition and quality to every recipe. We prepare this classical vegetable dish with care to maintain its natural benefits and taste. The spices we use are freshly ground, and the cooking process preserves nutrients — giving you a comforting, homemade feel in every bite.
Our menu highlights dishes that celebrate the richness of South Asian culinary heritage, and karela sabzi is one of our proud offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How to cook karela sabzi the traditional way?
Slice the bitter gourd, salt it to reduce bitterness, fry lightly, and cook with onions, tomatoes, and spices for a rich flavor.
Q2: How to make karela sabzi in Hindi style?
The Hindi-style approach is similar — sauté onion and spices, then add karela and tomatoes, and slow cook until soft and delicious.
Q3: How to make karela sabzi without onion?
Simply skip onions and increase the tomatoes and spices slightly for balance. Add yogurt or lemon juice for tanginess.
Q4: How to make simple karela sabzi at home?
Use minimal spices and cook karela with tomatoes, salt, and turmeric for a quick, homely version.
Q5: How to make dry karela sabzi?
Cook all ingredients until the moisture evaporates and the dish becomes crisp and dry — perfect with chapati.