Bihari Chura Karela

Bihari Chura Karela is a delightful fusion of crisp, roasted bitter gourd and flattened rice, seasoned with spices that create a perfect midnight snack. This gluten-free dish is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a beloved choice in Bihari cuisine.

Ingredients

• Karela (bitter gourd) - 200 grams
• Chura (flattened rice) - 100 grams
• Mustard oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Green chili - 1, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves - a handful, chopped

Steps

1. Wash the karela, slice it into thin rounds, and sprinkle salt over them. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Rinse the karela slices under water to remove excess salt and bitterness. Squeeze out the water and add the karela to the pan.
5. Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt over the karela. Mix well and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the karela is tender and slightly crispy.
6. In a separate bowl, soak the chura in warm water for about 5 minutes. Drain and fluff it with a fork.
7. Once the karela is cooked, add the soaked chura and finely chopped green chili to the pan. Mix everything gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Drizzle the remaining mustard oil and garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 35 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from karela, which may help in regulating blood sugar levels.
• Chura provides a healthy source of carbohydrates, making it an energy-boosting midnight snack.

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