Karatyache raite (Bittergourd curd raita)

                                                   

Bitter gourd curd raita with tempering

This dish was formulated by me as my husband loves bitter gourd as well as curd very much. I thought of combining both his favorite ingredients in a dish which I named as bitter gourd curd raita. I also prepare bitter gourd raita in coconut gravy (I will post it soon).Although Bitter Gourd is the bitterest vegetable; it can taste the best if prepared in the right way.Bitter gourd is also called as "karela" in hindi and "karate" in konkani.

Although its bitter taste might turn some people away from it, in-fact, it really can sweeten your health through virtue of its disease preventing and health promoting qualities. Some of the most well-known benefits of bitter gourd are its ability to help manage diabetes, prevent and reduce symptoms of cancer, reduce the effects of hemorrhoids, improve respiratory health,improve skin health, and boost the immune system. It is also proven that bitter melon has anti inflammatory, anti fungal, antibiotic, anti-allergenic, antiviral, anti parasitic and expectorant qualities.

Bitter gourd curd raita is for the karela lover. Those who like karela will love this and those who don’t eat karela will start loving karela after eating this recipe. This is an easy way to overcome the reluctance to eat Bitter Gourd!  This raita can be best served as side dish for vegetarian as well as non vegetarian meal.

Bitter gourd cut into pieces 

Ground bitter gourd 

                            

      Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (one)
• Curd (1 cup)
• Salt (as per taste)
• Sugar (around 1-2 tsp)
• Chili powder
• Curry leaves (5-6)
• Cumin seeds (¼   tsp)
• Mustard seeds (¼ tsp)
• Asafetida (3-4 pinches)
• Oil (1-2 tsp)

                                                                                 

Curd with  seasoning

                                                                               

Mix curd and fried bitter gourd

      Method of preparation

• Clean the outer covering and seeds from bitter gourd and make small pieces.
• Apply salt to this and keep it aside for half an hour. When it becomes watery, squeeze by hand and remove all water.
• Transfer these pieces into mixer and grind them for a while to make smaller pieces and not paste.
• Take some oil in a pan and shallow fry these ground pieces with some oil till it becomes crispy on medium flame.
• Take curd in a bowl and add salt, sugar, chili powder and mix properly.
• Now add crispy fried bitter gourd and mix well.
• Lastly give tempering with some oil, asafoetida, mustard, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
• Mix well and ready to serve.

                                                                                                                                                               Happy Cooking!