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Best Easy Karela Pyaz Recipe

Name: Best Easy Karela Pyaz Recipe
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: bitter melon (karela), sliced 3 pieces; onion, thinly sliced 2 pieces; tomato, diced 1 piece; mustard oil 2 tbsp; turmeric powder 0.5 tsp; red chili powder 0.25 tsp; coriander powder 1 tsp; cumin seeds 0.5 tsp; salt 0.75 tsp

Simple and wholesome, Karela Pyaz is a traditional Indian vegetable curry that's light yet satisfying. This low-calorie vegetarian dish supports diabetic-friendly, DASH, and calorie deficit meal plans for the family.

Cook 40 min Difficulty EASY 110 kcal

#vegetarian #diabetic friendly #DASH #low calorie

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bitter melon (karela), sliced 3 pieces
onion, thinly sliced 2 pieces
tomato, diced 1 piece
mustard oil 2 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
red chili powder 0.25 tsp
coriander powder 1 tsp
cumin seeds 0.5 tsp
salt 0.75 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 16 g 58%

Protein 3 g 11%

Fat 4 g 31%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Wash and halve the bitter melons, then scoop out the seeds and slice thinly. Sprinkle with salt and set aside for 15 minutes to help draw out bitterness.
2

Heat mustard oil in a skillet over medium-high until just beginning to smoke; add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 20 seconds.
3

Add sliced onions and sauté over medium heat until golden and soft, about 6-8 minutes, stirring to avoid burning.
4

Rinse the salted bitter melon slices, press out excess water, and add to the pan. Sauté on medium heat, stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes until slightly caramelized.
5

Add chopped tomato, turmeric, red chili, coriander, and salt. Cover and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and melded. Uncover and cook 2-3 minutes more to evaporate excess moisture before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Karela Pyaz recipe?

The key ingredient is bitter melon (karela), which gives the dish its unique earthy bitterness and character. Along with onions, it forms the foundation of flavor and texture in this classic vegetarian curry.

Q. How should I control heat for the best texture?

For best results, heat the mustard oil until it just starts to smoke before adding cumin seeds to enhance their aroma. Sauté onions over medium heat to bring out sweetness without burning, then cook the bitter melon in medium heat so it caramelizes lightly. Finish by simmering on low to meld the flavors and soften the veggies without making them mushy.

Q. How do I prevent the karela from getting too bitter?

To reduce bitterness, salt the sliced bitter melon and let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out some bitterness, then rinse and squeeze before cooking. Avoid overcooking during sautéing; this preserves a pleasant bite while taming harsh flavors.

Q. Is this recipe suitable for diabetic-friendly or DASH meal plans?

Yes, each serving has about 16g carbohydrates (58% of calories), low fat, and just 110 kcal. The recipe uses whole vegetables, minimal oil, and moderate salt, ticking the boxes for diabetic-friendly and DASH dietary needs.

Best Easy Karela Pyaz Recipe

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