Here’s a flavorful recipe for Chicken Karela, a dish that combines tender chicken with the unique taste of bitter gourd (karela). It’s a delicious and healthy option!
Chicken Karela Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500 grams chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 medium karelas (bitter gourds), sliced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Karela:
- Slice the karelas and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out some of the bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
- Sauté Karela:
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add the karela slices and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Onions:
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add Ginger-Garlic and Chilies:
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil separates.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and mix well. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Karela and Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sautéed karela back into the pan. Mix everything well and cook together for another 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with rice or roti.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of karela based on your taste; you can add more or less depending on how much you enjoy the bitterness.
- You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the bitterness if desired.
Enjoy your Chicken Karela!
