For fitness freaks, having healthy foods in an everyday diet is very important. Adding karela or bitter gourd is a very vital matter to keep the diet healthy and maintain the blood sugar level at its best. Karela is also helpful for maintaining the purity level of blood and boosting immunity level. This vegetable is also helpful for liver functions and many more. But cooking karela without ruining its nutritious value is sometimes a challenge for many. You can try the karela fry recipe using sarson ka tel. Having this dish not only adds the benefits of karela, but you will also get multiple advantages from sarson ka tel.
Sarson ka tel is a right cooking medium for the Indian traditional kitchen, which is rich in multiple healthy fats, maintain cholestarol level, and keeps immunity strong. Check this easy karela fry recipe using mustard oil and give it a try.
Why Mustard Oil Is Used for Karela Fry Recipe?
Sarson ka tel is one of the most important fats that we all generally use for cooking purposes. Here is why you should use this sarson ka tel for the karela fry recipe.
- Sarson ka tel has a strong pungent aroma which can reduce the bitter taste of karela naturally.
- It handles high heat for pan-frying with total ease. The thin karela rings cook fast in the hot oil, so they are crisp without being burned.
- Sarson ka tel sticks evenly to every seasoned karela or bitter gourd ring. This way, each bite has a balanced taste of turmeric, amchur and coriander.
- Sarson ka tel is full of healthy Monounsaturated Fats and natural antioxidants. This increases the overall wellness value of your daily meals.
Want to know the truth behind common sarson ka tel myths? Read our detailed guide, Myths vs. Facts: Debunking the Truth About Mustard Oil.
Ingredients Required for Karela Fry Using Mustard Oil
Check the list of ingredients you have to keep ready before starting karela fry in your kitchen.
- Karela: 250 gms, cut in ring shape, washed and dried properly
- Sarson ka tel
- Cumin seeds
- Fennel seeds
- Onion
- Turmeric powder
- Kashmiri red chilli powder
- Coriander powder
- Amchur powder
- Salt
Step-wise Instructions for Karela Fry Using Mustard Oil
Now, follow the steps given here for a bowl of crispy karela.
- Cut off the ends and cut the bitter melon into thin, even slices. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, and let sit for fifteen minutes to release bitter juices.
- Squeeze the salted rings in the palms of your hands to squeeze out the bitter water. Pat slices dry completely with a clean kitchen towel.
- Heat pure sarson ka tel in a wide kadai on medium heat. Let it come up to a light smoking point, then lower the heat a bit.
- Add cumin seeds and crushed fennel seeds to the hot oil. Now, in the next step, add sliced onions and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add the dried karela rings to the pan. Cook on medium-high heat, uncovered, for 6 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Lower the flame and add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, amchur and the remaining salt. Toss well on low heat for 4 minutes till crunchy. Serve hot.
How to Keep Karela Fry Perfect: Quick Tips
Here are some quick tips you might need to make perfect karela fry using sarson ka tel.
- Always slice the bitter gourd as thin as possible. Thin, uniform rings cook quickly in hot oil, like savoury homemade vegetable chips.
- Salting the raw slices extracts the bitter juices by osmosis. Squeeze well to remove excess bitterness before cooking.
- Be sure to pat your squeezed karela rings dry with a kitchen towel. Steam from any moisture remaining in the pan ruins the crunch of the recipe.
- Always cook karela in an open pan on medium flame. Locked steam softens the rings and ruins that signature crisp bite.
Want to know whether sarson ka tel is suitable for people with diabetes? Read our detailed guide, Is Mustard Oil Good for Diabetes Patients?
What Are the Health Advantages of Mustard Oil?
There are multiple health benefits of mustard oil or sarson ka tel. Please check the benefits you can get.
- Aids in Digestion: It activates the digestive enzymes in the stomach to properly digest bitter vegetables.
- Heart Healthy Fat Profile: A perfect balance of monounsaturated fats and essential Fatty Acids is present in sarson ka tel. These healthy fats promote optimal Cardiovascular Health.
- Natural Antimicrobial Action: Its active components help protect your digestive tract from harmful bacteria.
- Vitamin E: It has essential natural antioxidants that protect your body cells on a daily basis.
- Better Cooking Stability: It does not oxidise in high heat and keeps your pan-fried vegetables healthy and safe.
Want to try a rich, authentic North Indian curry? Read our detailed recipe, How to Make Indian Paneer Curry with Mustard Oil.
Ideal Serving Suggestions for Karela Fry Cooked In Mustard Oil
Serve your warm, crispy Karela Fry with these hearty homestyle meals:
- Steamed Rice and Plain Dal: A classic lunch pairing with crunchy bitter gourd balancing out the comforting yellow dal.
- Roti or Phulkas: Warm whole wheat flatbread pairs well with spicy, crunchy vegetables.
- Curd Rice: The healthy, cooling curd rice balances the savoury spice of fried karela effortlessly.
- Khichdi Platter: Serve with a steaming bowl of moong dal khichdi for a comforting and gut-friendly meal.
A crispy, pan-roasted karela fry is an easy way to get the amazing wellness benefits of fresh bitter gourd. Toss your seasoned vegetable rings into top-quality cold pressed mustard oil, which immediately seals the outer edges. This creates a wonderfully crispy texture while locking in savoury homestyle spices in every single bite. Switch to quality mustard oil today, chop fresh bitter gourds and treat your family to a nourishing side dish!