15 Indian Bitter Melon Recipe Instant Pot Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
The Indian bitter melon, also known as karela, is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine that is known for its distinctive bitter taste. While some may shy away from this vegetable due to its flavor, it is actually packed with essential nutrients and has many health benefits. One delicious way to enjoy this vegetable is by cooking it in an instant pot. This article will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to an Indian bitter melon recipe using an instant pot.
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Oil, Minced Garlic, Cumin Seeds, Mustard
The first recipe on our list is a classic Indian-style bitter melon dish. Tender bitter melon slices are cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a savory and slightly bitter dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roti. The dish is also known as bitter gourd dal, bitter melon dal, or karela daal, and is a popular comfort food in many Indian households.
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(Bitter Gourd Dal, Bitter Melon Dal, Karela Daal)
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Dhal, Turmeric Powder, Tamarind Juice
Another Indian-style dish featuring bitter melon is the stir fry or sabzi. The thinly sliced bitter melon is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a medley of spices, resulting in a flavorful and crispy dish. This dish goes well with both rice and roti and is a great way to introduce bitter melon to those who are new to this ingredient.
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(Bitter-Melon Stir Fry, Karela ki Sabzi, Pavakkai...
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Onion, Red Chilies, Garlic Cloves, Ginger
Pinakbet is a popular Filipino dish that features bitter melon as one of its main ingredients. This hearty dish is made with a variety of vegetables, including bitter melon, eggplant, squash, okra, and string beans, all cooked in a flavorful sauce made with shrimp paste and coconut milk. The combination of bitter melon and other vegetables creates a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Pinakbet
Main Ingredients: Pork, Large Egg, Bitter Melon, Squash, Large Tomato
When it comes to using bitter melon in your cooking, it is essential to choose the right kind. Look for bitter melons with firm and smooth skin, as wrinkled and soft bitter melons may be overripe and too bitter. You can also choose between Chinese bitter melons, Indian bitter melons, and smaller Indian bitter melons, each with its unique flavor and texture.
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The Best Bitter Melons
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Minced Garlic, Chili Pepper Flakes, Oil
Kofta is a popular Indian dish that features small balls made of minced vegetables or meat. In this recipe, bitter melon is the star ingredient of the kofta balls, adding a unique flavor and texture to the dish. The kofta balls are deep-fried until crispy and then cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, creating a mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures.
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Crispy Bitter Gourd Kofta
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Oil, Cumin Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Chili
This simple yet delicious dish is a staple in many Indian households. Thinly sliced bitter melon is cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, resulting in a dry and crispy dish that is bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for those who prefer a less saucy and more textured dish.
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Karela Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Onions, Mango, Green Chillies, Fenugreek
This unique recipe features bitter melon stuffed with a flavorful mixture of raw mango, spices, and other vegetables. The stuffed bitter melon is then cooked in a delicious tomato-based gravy, resulting in a tangy and slightly bitter dish that is perfect for summer months.
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Bharwa Karela / Raw Mango Stuffed Bitter Gourd
Main Ingredients: Karela, Turmeric Powder, Salt, Onion, Garlic, Ginger
Another stuffed bitter melon recipe, this dish features a spicy and flavorful filling made with onions, potatoes, and spices. The stuffed bitter melons are then pan-fried until crispy and cooked in a tangy and spicy tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for those who prefer a more indulgent and flavorful bitter melon dish.
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Stuffed Karela (Bharwan Karela) or Stuffed Bitter Gourd
Main Ingredients: Karela, Oil, Besan, Roasted Peanuts, Minced Garlic
This unique dish from Kerala, India, features bitter melon cooked in a delicious coconut milk-based gravy. The combination of spices, coconut milk, and bitter melon creates a creamy and flavorful dish that is a must-try for any bitter melon lover.
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Yogurt, Salt, Cooking Oil, Onion, Tomato
If you prefer a slightly sweeter and tangier bitter melon dish, then this recipe is for you. The combination of sweet and sour flavors, along with the bitter melon, creates a unique and delicious dish. This dish is also known as khatta meetha karela and is a popular dish in the Indian state of Punjab.
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Sweet and Sour Bitter Gourd Curry / Khatta Meetha...
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Ginger Garlic Paste, Cumin Seed, Mustard
This simple yet flavorful dish features bitter melon slices cooked with a blend of spices until crispy and slightly charred. The dish is perfect for those who prefer a more textured and spicier bitter melon dish. It goes well with rice or roti and is a great way to introduce bitter melon to those who are new to this ingredient.
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Bitter Gourd Roast | Kakarakaya Vepudu
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder, Turmeric
Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, including its ability to help manage blood sugar levels. This powerful juice combines bitter melon with other ingredients known for their potential benefits for people with diabetes, including ginger, turmeric, and lemon. This juice is a great way to incorporate bitter melon into your diet in a refreshing and healthy way.
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Powerful Juice for Diabetes
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Celery, Lettuce
If you are looking for a simple and flavorful dish that showcases the unique flavor of bitter melon, then this recipe is for you. Thinly sliced bitter melon is cooked in a blend of spices until crispy and slightly charred, resulting in a dry and delicious dish that is perfect for those who enjoy the bitterness of this ingredient.
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Karela Sabzi | Dry Bitter Gourd Curry
Main Ingredients: Oil, Karela, Onions, Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder
This simple and quick dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Thinly sliced bitter melon is stir-fried with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, resulting in a flavorful and crispy dish that goes well with rice or roti. This dish is also known as pavakkai poriyal and is a popular dish in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
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Pavakkai Fry/ Bitter Gourd Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Salt, Curd, Turmeric Powder, Onion
This recipe features bitter melon stuffed with a flavorful and spicy mixture of onions, tomatoes, and spices. The stuffed bitter melon is then cooked in a rich and tangy tomato-based gravy, resulting in a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions.
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Bharva Karela Masala | Stuffed Bitter Gourd Gravy
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Salt, Peanut, Grated Coconut, Garlic
This unique recipe from the Indian state of Gujarat features bitter melon cooked with potatoes, creating a delicious and hearty dish. The combination of bitter melon and potatoes creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal.
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Karela Batata nu shaak | Bitter Gourd Curry | Gujarati...
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Potato, Salt, Oil, Cumin Seeds
This diabetic-friendly dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy bitter melon. The bitter melon is cooked with a flavorful and nutty peanut masala, creating a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for people with diabetes or anyone looking for a nutritious meal.
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Diabetic-Friendly Bitter Gourd Curry With Peanut Masala
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Peanuts, Grated Coconut, Dry Red Chilies
This unique recipe from the Indian state of Gujarat features bitter melon cooked with cashews, creating a delicious and indulgent dish. The combination of bitter melon and cashews creates a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
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Kaju Karela | How to make Kaju Karela nu shaak
Main Ingredients: Karela, Potato, Cashews, Oil, Red Chili, Mustard Seeds
This simple and healthy dish features bitter melon cooked with lentils, creating a nutritious and flavorful dish. The combination of bitter melon and lentils creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
We hope that these top 20 beer can chicken recipes featuring bitter melon have inspired you to try this unique ingredient in your cooking. Whether you prefer a classic Indian-style dish or a fusion recipe, there is something for everyone on this list. So, grab some bitter melon and get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with your loved ones.
Health Benefits of Indian Bitter Melon
Bitter Taste, Sweet Benefits
Although the bitter taste of Indian bitter melon may not be appealing to some, it is actually a sign of its high nutritional value. This vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains powerful antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and fight against diseases.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
One of the most well-known benefits of Indian bitter melon is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This is due to the presence of a compound called charantin, which helps to lower blood glucose levels. This makes it a beneficial vegetable for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Improves Digestive Health
Indian bitter melon is also known for its ability to improve digestive health. It contains high amounts of fiber, which can aid in digestion and prevent constipation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Instant Pot Cooking Method
Convenience and Time-Saving
Using an instant pot to cook Indian bitter melon not only saves time but also retains the nutrients and flavors of the vegetable. This method of cooking allows for a hands-off approach, as the instant pot does all the work for you. Simply add the ingredients and set the timer, and you'll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
Bitter Melon Masala Recipe
To make Indian bitter melon in an instant pot, you will need:
- 2 medium-sized Indian bitter melons
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup water
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Instructions:
1. Slice the Indian bitter melon lengthwise and remove the seeds.
2. Cut the bitter melon into small pieces and set aside.
3. Turn on the instant pot and select the sauté function.
4. Heat oil in the pot and add cumin seeds.
5. Once the seeds start to splutter, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger.
6. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
7. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
8. Add the bitter melon pieces and mix well.
9. Add all the spices - coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
10. Pour in 1 cup of water and give it a good stir.
11. Close the instant pot with the lid and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
12. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes.
13. Open the lid and give the bitter melon masala a final stir.
14. Serve hot with rice or roti.
In Conclusion
Using an instant pot to cook Indian bitter melon is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-packed vegetable. With its numerous health benefits and unique flavor, it is a must-try for any Indian cuisine lover. So why not give this Indian bitter melon masala recipe a try in your instant pot and experience the deliciousness for yourself?
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