Karela Pakora

Karela Pakora is a crispy and savory Indian snack made from bitter gourd, chickpea flour, and spices, perfect for tea time. This vegan delight offers a unique balance of flavors that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (karela) - 200 grams
• Chickpea flour (besan) - 100 grams
• Rice flour - 2 tablespoons
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ajwain (carom seeds) - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Water - as needed
• Oil - for deep frying

Steps

1. Wash the bitter gourd thoroughly and slice it thinly. Sprinkle some salt and let it sit for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, ajwain, and salt.
3. Add water gradually to the dry ingredients, mixing until you achieve a smooth batter that can coat the back of a spoon.
4. Rinse the salted bitter gourd slices under water to remove excess salt and bitterness, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, dip each bitter gourd slice into the batter, ensuring it’s well coated, and carefully drop it into the hot oil.
6. Fry the pakoras in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove them and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. Serve hot with green chutney or tamarind sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 25 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: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, promoting overall health.
• May help in regulating blood sugar levels due to the presence of bitter gourd.

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