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India, a rich country known for its spices across the globe, has a unique culinary tradition that includes a wide variety of pickles. While mango pickle remains the most popular, have you ever considered indulging in the unique taste of Bitter Gourd pickle?
Karela is a prime example of this paradox. It boasts numerous health benefits, such as aiding in diabetes mellitus, addressing anorexia, blood impurities, diarrhoea, hangovers, piles, pyorrhoea, skin infections, and respiratory issues. Despite being one of India’s healthiest foods, the bitter taste often discourages people from consuming it.
Indian culinary innovation comes to the rescue, particularly the creativity of Indian moms, renowned for their techniques to enhance the taste of even the most challenging foods. Bitter Gourd Pickle stands as an example to this ingenuity, transforming the potentially off-putting taste of bitter gourd into a delightful culinary experience.
One of the most appealing aspects of pickles is their longevity; they can be prepared once and enjoyed for days on end. Bitter Gourd Pickle is no exception. The preparation process isn’t complicated. Here’s how you can make it.
Ingredients
- 7-8 medium-sized bitter gourds
- 1 tbsp Vinegar or juice of 2 lemons
- Asafoetida
- 1 cup mustard oil
- 2 tsp jeera (cumin)
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 2 tsp methi (fenugreek)
- 3 tsp salt
- 4 tsp saunff (fennel seeds)
- 1 tsp black salt
- 2 tsp crushed yellow mustard
- 1 tsp red chilly powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
3 Easy Steps to Prepare Bitter Gourd Pickle
Step 1: Wash around 7-8 medium-sized bitter gourds with water, cut them into small round pieces, and add 1 tsp of salt. Let them sit in a utensil for an hour. After an hour, boil the salted bitter gourd pieces for about 5 minutes. Remove excess water and transfer the boiled pieces to a cloth, allowing them to dry in the open sun for 2-3 hours.
Step 2: Roast asafoetida, jeera, methi, and other spices in a pan until they turn light brown. Combine yellow mustard with the roasted spices, creating a powdered mixture. Place the dried bitter gourd pieces in a clean, dry utensil. Add the spice mixture and some salt, mixing thoroughly. Squeeze lemon juice or use vinegar as a substitute and mix well.
Step 3: Place the mixture in a glass container and let it sit in the sun for some time. Stir the contents with a clean, dry spoon for at least four days. Now, you’re ready to savour the delightful bitter gourd pickle.
The benefits of bitter gourd pickle are extensive, including;
- Reduce Blood Sugar Levels: Bitter Gourd Pickle benefits diabetic patients by improving sugar utilisation in tissues and promoting insulin secretion, which regulates blood sugar levels.
- Cancer-Fighting Properties: Bitter Gourd Pickle benefits cancer patients as it may have cancer-fighting properties, exhibiting effectiveness against stomach, colon, lung, nasopharynx, and breast cancer cells in test-tube studies.
- Weight Loss: Bitter Gourd Pickle benefits people who are on their journey to lose weight by being low in calories and rich in fiber, making it an excellent addition to weight loss diets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bitter gourd pickle is a flavorful lesson in embracing health. Its fusion of taste and nutrition challenges norms, showing how India’s culinary creativity can enhance well-being. As post-pandemic priorities steer us towards self-care, integrating Bitter Gourd Pickle into our diets becomes a proactive choice. Elevate your journey by buying pickles online from FarmDidi and savor the goodness.
