Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or bitter apple is a wonder vegetable known for its characteristic bitter taste. I remember having at least twice cooked in my home during my childhood days with a slight twist to dilute the bitterness. It is a unique fruit-vegetable combination that is consumed widely.Bitter gourds are mostly cultivated in tropical parts of the world, such as Asia, South America, and Africa.
Reasons to include Bitter gourd in your daily diet:
- Boosts Weight Loss: Not many people are aware of this It contains more amount of water content which suppresses the hunger quotient. It aids in metabolism.
- High on Nutrition: it is a rich source of vitamins of A, C and minerals like iron, calcium and Magnesium.
- Great for Health: has anti-ageing properties, strengthens immune system and improves respiratory health.
- Healing Agent for Diabetics: It contains insulin like compound like polypeptide and anti-diabetic compound like Charantin. Both aids in lowering the blood sugar level.
- Helps in Digestion: It is rich in dietary fibre, regular use of it can help in relieving constipation and indigestion.
- Agent for Glowing Skin: It helps in making skin glow through its therapeutical properties.
Different Approaches to Make it Less Bitter!
- Add Salt: Use lots of salt to the sliced bitter gourd and keep it aside covered for 20-30 minutes, and then squeeze the juice. This way it helps to keep the bitterness at its bay.
2. Use Diluted Curd Yogurt: Another way to ease on the bitterness part from bitter gourd, to dilute bitter gourd pieces in diluted yogurt for at least an 30-40 minutes before cooking.
3. Boil equal parts of sugar and vinegar. Pour this mixture on bitter gourd.
4. Sauté your bitter gourd pieces in turmeric powder, salt, onions in sesame oil.
5. Dehydration and deep-frying works like a charm.
6. Another way is by adding a sweet or neutral tasting ingredient to your dish like sugar, potatoes and cheese.
7. You can add a bit of jaggery while preparing the dish if you like your bitter gourd candied.
Some great dishes made out of bitter gourd!
1.Bharwan Kerala – It’s a Rajasthani way of preparing it, where stuffing of our daily masala is required after sautéing with onions and ginger garlic paste inside Bitter gourd and fry.
2.Bitter Gourd Chips– Bitter gourd, chilli, turmeric, coriander, rice flour and gram flour and deep fry.
3.Bitter Gourd Sabzi with onion & potato (Bitter Gourd, mustard seeds, red chilli, garlic, turmeric & chilli powder, onion & potato)
4.Bitter Gourd Juice – Add bitter gourd pieces to a juicer and add half teaspoon salt and lemon juice. Blend the ingredients well. To reduce the bitterness of the drink, add some honey or jaggery to it, or pair it with sweet fruits like apple or pears. A pinch of black pepper and ginger can also decrease the tartness and make it more palatable.
5.Khatta Meetha Karela (Bitter Gourd, Jaggery, Mustard Seeds, Sesame seed, chilli powder)
6.Bitter Gourd Salad (Grated Cucumber & Bitter Gourd), red chilli, salt, lemon juice and then temper with coconut oil & mustard seeds(optional).
Avoid Bitter Gourd :
1.Do not eat bitter gourd in the night.
2. Some of the risks and complications of bitter melon include
- Diarrhoea vomiting, and other intestinal issues
- Vaginal bleeding, contractions, and abortion
- Dangerous lowering of blood sugar if taken with insulin
- Liver damage
Always consult your doctor or dietician. If you have any of the health issues, blindly consuming it is not advisable.
So, now do you fancy a glass of Karela juice or a Karela Sabzi??
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Gulmohar speaks 