Kaju Karela Nu Shak / Kaju Karele Ki Subji (Bitter Gourd And Cashewnut Stir Fry)

Kaju Karela Nu Shak / Kaju Karele Ki Sabji (Bitter Gourd Cashewnut Stir Fry)

Bittergourd is used widely for its medicinal values. Bittergourd and the parts of its plants are useful as traditional medicines for curing of diabetes, stomach complaints, skin diseases, ulcers or cough.

Various types of dishes are made from bitter gourd. Not only in India but it  is widely used in Asian cuisine.

In India, the bittergourd preparation varies with region. In North Indian cuisine- they make by stuffing it with spices in the form of curry also known as Bharwa Karele (Stuffed karela). In South Indian cuisine, it is used in the dishes thoran/thuvaran (mixed with grated coconut), mezhukkuparatti (stir fried with spices), theeyal (cooked with roasted coconut) and pachadi.

Many people add salt to the sliced bittergourd and keep it for some time. They then squeeze out the excess of water. This helps in reducing the bitterness. Some people also peel off the skin and use only the flesh of bittergourd.

The bittergourd grows on a vine. It is best to eat it when it is tender. The skin, flesh and the seeds are less bitter at this stage. But as it ripens, the flesh and seeds tend to become harder and more bitter.

I try to use the tender bittergourd as they are easy to chop, cook and then can be used directly with the skin.

I will share with you popular Gujarati cuisine preparation of bittergourd. It is made from tender bittergourd and stir fried with the spices, jaggery, cashew nuts, peanuts and sesame seeds. The cashew nuts and peanuts give a crunchy effect to the dish. You can mostly find this dish on the menu during marriage functions. It is served with puri or chapati and aamras. There they generally deep fry the bittergourd .

I have made it without frying. I make it regularly in my house. The jaggery helps in reducing bitterness and when it melts, the bittergourd and potatoes are nicely coated with it. This gives a nice sweet taste. Howeer, the taste balanced with other different spices used.

Serve it with puri or chapati. It also goes well Gujaratiarati dal and rice.

Kaju Karela Nu Shak (Bitter Gourd Cashewnut Strir Fry)
Print

Kaju Karela (Bitter Gourd And Cashewnut Stir Fry)

A popular dish of the Gujarati cuisine and is generally in demand in the marriage functions.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Gujarati, Indian
Keyword bittergourd, rozkakhana, subji
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 395kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Chop the bittergourd and potato as shown. I have also used the seed which are tender as I like the crunchy texture it gives to the dish. I have used the bittergourd with the skin (why should we remove the goodness from it!)
  • Heat oil in the pan. Add the mustard seed and cumin seeds. When they crackle add the asafoetida, sesame seeds and turmeric powder.
  • Add the chopped bittergourd and potatoes. Add salt. Mix well and cover and cook them till tender on medium heat.
    Kaju Karela Nu Shak (Bitter Gourd Cashewnut Strir Fry)
  • Once they are cooked, remove the lid and add red chili powder, coriander cumin seed powder and mix well.
  • Add the jaggery and let it melt.
    Kaju Karela Nu Shak (Bitter Gourd Cashewnut Strir Fry)
  • Add the cashewnuts, roasted peanuts and raisin and saute them till the jaggery is nicely coated with the bitter gourd and potato. Add the chopped coriander and mix well. The Kaju karela is ready.
    Kaju Karela Nu Shak (Bitter Gourd Cashewnut Strir Fry)
  • Garnish with chopped coriander and sesame seed and serve it with roti, puri and gujarati dal and rice.
    Kaju Karela Nu Shak (Bitter Gourd Cashewnut Strir Fry)

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 717mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 81.7mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 6.5mg

14 thoughts on “Kaju Karela Nu Shak / Kaju Karele Ki Subji (Bitter Gourd And Cashewnut Stir Fry)”

  1. 5 stars
    Tried dis recipe..came out very nice..everyone like it at home…new tasty way to add karela to our diet…thank u for sharing dis wonderful recipe

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    Hi I came across your website yesterday and made this dish… Wow absolutely scrumptious… Thanks so much for sharing… Am trying your makai vada next in my new appam pan.

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    Hi I came across your website yesterday and made this dish… Wow absolutely scrumptious… Thanks so much for sharing… Am trying your makai vada next in my new appam pan.

    Reply
    • Hi
      Thank you so much for trying out the recipe. I am glad that you like it. I am sure you will love the makai vada made in a healthy way using appam pan. I am waiting for your valuable comments. Happy cooking!! Stay safe!!

      Reply
      • 5 stars
        Makai vada was very much appreciated by my husband who is also a converted fan of the karela shaak thanks to your amazing recipe… Have recommended your recipe and blog to all my friends and family.
        Thanks again

        Reply
        • Thank you so much once again. I am glad you enjoy the recipe and so thankful that you also recommended the blog to your friends. My inspiration and motivation level is increasing with your feedback. Happy cooking!!

          Reply
  4. My husband didn’t like karela shak but after I tried this recipe and he loved it. Now he buys karela almost every week.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Bhavnesh Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.