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A crispy and spicy Andhra-style stir-fry that transforms bitter gourd into an irresistible side dish. The unique preparation method significantly reduces bitterness, making it a favorite even for those wary of this vegetable.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Bitter Gourd
Prepare the Peanut Powder
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A crispy and spicy Andhra-style stir-fry that transforms bitter gourd into an irresistible side dish. The unique preparation method significantly reduces bitterness, making it a favorite even for those wary of this vegetable.
This andhra recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 163.57 calories per serving with 4.52g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Fry the Bitter Gourd
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
Combine and Finish
Add 2-3 tablespoons of dry, desiccated coconut along with the peanuts when making the powder for a richer, slightly sweet flavor.
Replace peanuts with an equal amount of roasted sesame seeds or roasted chana dal (dalia) to make the spice powder.
For a lower-oil version, toss the squeezed bitter gourd with 1-2 tablespoons of oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy. Then proceed with the tempering step.
Add 1 tablespoon of chana dal along with the urad dal in the tempering for extra texture and crunch.
Bitter gourd contains active compounds like charantin and polypeptide-p, which have insulin-like properties and help lower blood glucose levels, making it beneficial for diabetic diets.
This dish is a good source of antioxidants from bitter gourd (Vitamin C, flavonoids) and spices like turmeric. These compounds help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
The dietary fiber in bitter gourd aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation. Spices like cumin also have digestive benefits.
Besides salting and squeezing, you can scrape off the rough outer skin before slicing. Soaking the slices in diluted buttermilk or tamarind water for 20-30 minutes before squeezing also helps reduce bitterness.
Bitter gourd itself is very healthy, packed with nutrients and known for its blood sugar-regulating properties. However, this traditional preparation involves shallow frying, which adds calories. To make it healthier, you can use an air fryer or pan-roast the slices with less oil.
One serving of Kakarakaya Vepudu contains approximately 180-220 calories, primarily from the oil used for frying and the peanuts. The exact amount can vary based on how much oil is absorbed.
Absolutely. For a no-onion, no-garlic (Sattvic) version, simply omit them. The dish will still be delicious, with the primary flavors coming from the bitter gourd, peanuts, and spices.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it will still taste good, it will lose its crispiness upon refrigeration. You can briefly pan-fry it again to restore some of the crunch before serving.