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A classic Udupi-style curry where bitter gourd is cooked in a flavorful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy coconut masala. This traditional Karnataka dish, also known as Hagalakayi Menaskai, is a unique and delicious way to enjoy bitter gourd.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Bitter Gourd
Fry the Bitter Gourd
Roast Spices for Masala
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A classic Udupi-style curry where bitter gourd is cooked in a flavorful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy coconut masala. This traditional Karnataka dish, also known as Hagalakayi Menaskai, is a unique and delicious way to enjoy bitter gourd.
This south_indian recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 313.31 calories per serving with 4.03g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Grind the Masala Paste
Cook the Curry
Combine and Temper
Replace the bitter gourd with 1.5 cups of fresh pineapple chunks for a classic sweet and sour version of this curry. Adjust jaggery as pineapple is already sweet.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of black peppercorns while roasting the spices for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
For a richer, creamier gravy, add 1 teaspoon of white poppy seeds (khus khus) to the spices before grinding the masala.
Bitter gourd contains active compounds like charantin and polypeptide-p, which mimic insulin and have been shown to help lower blood glucose levels, making this dish particularly beneficial for blood sugar management.
The high dietary fiber from bitter gourd, lentils, and coconut aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Spices like turmeric, coriander, and fenugreek, along with bitter gourd itself, are loaded with powerful antioxidants that help combat free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the body.
Bitter gourd is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an important micronutrient that helps boost the immune system, prevent diseases, and improve skin health.
Besides salting and squeezing, you can blanch the bitter gourd slices in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before frying. Soaking them in diluted buttermilk or yogurt for 30 minutes also helps.
Yes, it is a very healthy dish. Bitter gourd is rich in vitamins and has properties that may help regulate blood sugar. The curry uses whole spices, lentils, and healthy fats from coconut, making it a nutritious choice.
A single serving of approximately 160g contains around 220-260 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil and jaggery used.
Absolutely! Menaskai tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Bitter Gourd Menaskai pairs wonderfully with hot steamed rice (especially red rice), neer dosa, chapati, or akki rotti (rice flour flatbread).
Yes, frozen grated coconut works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely to room temperature before grinding it for the masala paste.