Tamatari Karela/Bitter Gourd With Tomato

Bitter gourd or karela has an extremely bitter taste but very helpful food.
Bitter gourds are rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and very low in calories.

It contains a plant insulin known to lower blood sugar levels. So its good for diabetic.

A typical regular Bengali lunch menu usually starts with a bitter dish ( specially in summer) through salty and spicy. It finish with a sweet sour chutney and sweet dish.

Today I made the bitter gourd with tomato. Tamatari karela.

Recipe

Bitter gourd/karela – 2 sliced in thin rings

Onion  – 3 large, chopped in rings

Tomato  – 3-4 large, chopped in rings

Salt to taste

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Turmeric  powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder  – 1/4 teaspoon optional

Kashmiri red chilli powder  – 1/2 teaspoon or as per taste

Sugar  – 1/2 teaspoon or to taste optional

Oil  – 2-3 tablespoon

Method

Heat oil in a nonstick pan. Add bitter gourd or karela fry for 3-4 minutes.

Then add the onion rings fry for some more time till the colour changes.

Add tomatoes, stir and add salt, sugar and all the spices.
Stir well and cover the pan. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes.

Stir again and cook another 5 minutes on low flame. Remove the lid, cook on high flame stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.

Tamatari karela or bitter gourd with tomato is ready. Garnish with onion rings. You can garnish with chopped coriander leaves too if you like.
Enjoy with steamed rice.