Summer Recipe- Delicious And Baked Khatta Meetha Karela

Oven Baked Sweet & Sour Karela (bitter gourd)- If you have never made karela this way before, then give it a try.Super simple to make in the oven, this karela recipe has sweet and sour flavors and makes a nice side with dal and rice.Karela aka the bitter gourd has been my favorite vegetable ever since I was a little child. Most kids I knew hated karela, well of course because it was bitter and kids didn’t like it.

On the other hand, I loved the bitterness of the bitter gourd and used to request mom to make it often.The resulting karela is sweet and sour and is also little crispy. It is very addictive and I can’t stop eating it.

The spices that are used here are cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder and amchur which gives it a tangy taste.

Ingredients

500 grams karela bitter gourd, 9-10 medium sized karela
1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoon oil 15 ml + 10 ml
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
3/4 teaspoon coriander powder
3/4 teaspoon amchur dried mango powder
1/8 teaspoon red chili powder or add more to taste
1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
2 tablespoons jaggery powder or add less to taste
cilantro to garnish

Method

* Wash and peel the skin of the karela. I peeled it roughly I like the bitterness and also the karela that I used were not bitter.

* If you don't like the bitterness peel the skin completely. Again, I didn't remove the seeds since I like them but you may remove the seeds.

* Then cut each karela into thin slices, around 1/8 inch thick.

* Transfer cut slices into a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons oil to it. Toss to combine.

* Then add all the spices- cumin, coriander, amchur, red chili powder, turmeric and salt. Also add the jaggery. Toss to combine until all karela slices are well coated with the spices. Set aside for 20 minutes.

* Pre-heat oven to 400 F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with aluminium foil and set aside.

* After 20 minutes, line a large baking sheet with aluminium foil and spray the sheet with a oil spray and then transfer the karela slices onto the baking sheet in a single layer.

* Bake at 400 F degrees for 20 to 23 minutes. I usually bake for 22 to 23 minutes.

* Optional- After it has baked for 22 to 23 minutes, press broil and bake for 1-2 minutes to get it little crispy and extra brown. Be careful though, it will burn quickly, so once you press broil keep an eye.

* Garnish with cilantro and serve sweet & sour karela as a side with dal, rice or roti. You may also squeeze in some fresh lemon juice before serving.