Bitter gourd, or karela, is a vegetable notorious for its intense bitterness. Many shy away from its unique flavor, but this recipe transforms it into a delicious and surprisingly kid-friendly dal! We'll tackle the bitterness head-on, utilizing simple techniques to coax out the gourd's hidden sweetness and create a comforting, flavorful dish the whole family will enjoy. Forget the preconceived notions – this recipe proves that bitter gourd can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
This isn't your grandma's bitter gourd recipe; we're going beyond the basics to achieve a truly exceptional taste. We'll focus on methods that reduce bitterness while enhancing the natural sweetness of the gourd, resulting in a creamy, aromatic dal that's perfect for a weeknight meal. Ready to discover a new favorite? Let's dive into the step-by-step process, revealing all the secrets to making this amazing Bitter Gourd Dal!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- Bitter Gourd: 500g
- Lentils (Chana Dal): 250g
- Onion: 2 medium
- Garlic-Ginger Paste: 1 tbsp
- Tomatoes: 3 medium
- Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder: 0.5 tsp
- Coriander Powder: 1 tsp
- Crushed Red Chili: 1 tsp
- Green Chilies: 3-5
- White Cumin Seeds: 0.5 tsp
- Oil: 0.5 cup
- Lemon: 1
- Water: as needed
- Green Coriander: for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Bitter Gourd and Lentils
- Peel and chop the bitter gourd into small pieces. Remove seeds.
- Mix the chopped bitter gourd with salt, turmeric, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash and soak the lentils for 1-2 hours.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the bitter gourd until the color changes (about 7-8 minutes).
- Add chopped onions and fry for 4-5 minutes.
- Add cumin seeds, garlic-ginger paste, and fry for 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add half a cup of water, and continue cooking until the tomatoes are soft.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add the fried bitter gourd to the tomato mixture.
- Add the boiled lentils and half a cup of water. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes on low heat.
Step 4. Finish and Garnish
- Boil the lentils until about 80% cooked.
- Add more green chilies and green coriander for garnish. Cook for 1-2 minutes more.
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- Soaking the lentils is crucial for better texture.
- Don't overcook the lentils; aim for 80% cooked.
- Frying the bitter gourd helps reduce its bitterness.
- Adjust spices according to your preference.
- Using fresh garlic and ginger enhances the flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bitter gourd?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the dal.
2. My kids still don't like bitter gourd. What can I do?
Try adding a pinch of jaggery or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra sweetness. You can also blend a portion of the dal for a smoother texture.
3. What can I substitute for the spices if I don't have them all?
Feel free to adjust spices to your preference. A basic curry powder can replace some of the individual spices, but the overall flavor might be slightly different.
This Bitter Gourd Dal recipe proves that even the most challenging vegetables can be transformed into a delicious and family-friendly dish. With a few simple techniques, you can overcome the bitterness and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal. So, ditch the preconceived notions and give this recipe a try – you might just surprise yourself (and your kids)!