Karele ke Kebab

Name: Karele ke Kebab
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: north_indian
Ingredients: 4 pcs bitter gourd (medium-sized, washed); 1 tsp salt (for salting the grated bitter gourd to draw out bitterness and moisture, discarded after 30 min); 1 cup besan; 1 pcs onion (medium, finely chopped); 2 pcs green chili (finely chopped); 1 inch ginger (grated); 4 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 3 tbsp coriander leaves (finely chopped); 1 tsp red chili powder; 0.25 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 0.5 tsp garam masala; 2 tsp lemon juice; 4 tbsp oil (for shallow frying); 3 tbsp water (for binding the mixture, adjust as needed)

RATING

4.2/5(28)

TASTE SCORE

6/10

Crispy, spiced patties made from grated bitter gourd, gram flour, and a fragrant mix of Indian spices. These shallow-fried kebabs are a brilliant way to transform the sharp bitterness of karela into a savory, crave-worthy snack or side.

PREP

25m

COOK

15m

SERVES

2 PIECES

260 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep · ~30 min
Grate and salt the bitter gourd.
1.Trim the ends of each bitter gourd but do not peel them.
2.Grate them using the coarse side of a box grater (or a food processor).
3.Toss the grated bitter gourd with 1 tsp of salt and set aside for 30 minutes.
4.After 30 minutes, place the grated bitter gourd in a muslin cloth and squeeze out as much bitter juice and liquid as possible. Discard the liquid.
TIPDiscarding the salty, bitter liquid is the key step to tempering karela's strong taste.
mix · ~2 min
Mix the kebab batter.
1.Rinse the squeezed bitter gourd briefly under cold water and squeeze dry again to remove excess saltiness.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed bitter gourd, besan, chopped onion, green chili, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped coriander leaves.
3.Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, garam masala, and 0.5 tsp salt.
4.Drizzle in the lemon juice and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle water one tablespoon at a time and mix until the mixture is damp and holds together when pressed.
prep · ~3 min
Shape the kebabs.
1.Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.
2.Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten gently between your palms into a small, round patty about 0.5 inch thick.
3.Place the shaped patties on a plate, ready for frying.
fry · ~15 min
Shallow-fry the kebabs.
1.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat.
2.Gently place half the patties in the skillet, spacing them so they aren't touching.
3.Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crisp.
4.Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
5.Remove and repeat with the remaining oil and patties.
serve
Drain and serve hot.
1.Transfer the fried kebabs to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
2.Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Squeeze the grated bitter gourd thoroughly to remove as much bitter liquid as possible for a milder taste.
2
Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned tawa to ensure the kebabs don't stick and get evenly crisp.
3
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes after mixing so the besan hydrates and binds better.
4
Shape patties of even thickness (about ½ inch) to ensure uniform cooking.
5
Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve a golden crust.
6
Serve immediately after frying — these kebabs lose their crunch quickly if kept waiting.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

baked

Baked

For a lower-fat version, brush shaped patties with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. Ideal for health-conscious eaters.

nutty

Nutty

Add 2 tablespoons of crushed peanuts or roasted gram powder to the mixture for extra crunch and a nutty flavor, great for texture lovers.

cheesy

Cheesy

Mix in ¼ cup of grated paneer or crumbled feta for a richer, creamier kebab that appeals to those who want a milder, indulgent bite.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Dietary Fiber

Bitter gourd is naturally high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health, especially when the skin is retained.

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Blood Sugar Support

Bitter gourd is traditionally valued for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, making these kebabs a smart snack for those monitoring glucose.

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