If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious side dish, look no further than bitter gourd fry. Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a vegetable with a distinct bitter taste. It is packed with nutrients and is known for its numerous health benefits. Despite its unique flavor, bitter gourd can be transformed into a delicious dish with the help of a microwave oven. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making bitter gourd fry using a microwave oven.
To start, you will need a fresh bitter gourd. Choose one that is firm and bright green in color. Wash the bitter gourd thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Once cleaned, pat it dry with a kitchen towel. Take a sharp knife and carefully slice the bitter gourd into thin round pieces. Make sure to remove the seeds and the pith as they can contribute to the bitterness of the dish.
Next, place the sliced bitter gourd in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a generous amount of salt to the bowl and mix it well with the bitter gourd slices. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out the bitterness. During this time, the bitter gourd will release some liquid.
After 15 minutes, drain the liquid from the bowl and rinse the bitter gourd slices under cold water to remove the excess salt. Place the rinsed bitter gourd back into the bowl and add the desired spices and seasonings. You can use a combination of turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything well to ensure that the bitter gourd slices are coated evenly with the spices.
Finally, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate. Cook the bitter gourd slices in the microwave oven on high power for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the lid or plate and give the bitter gourd a good stir. Return it to the microwave and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the bitter gourd becomes tender and slightly crispy.
Once cooked, remove the bitter gourd fry from the microwave oven and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish it with fresh cilantro leaves for an added burst of flavor. Bitter gourd fry pairs well with rice or chapati and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. It is a perfect choice for those who are looking for a healthy and flavorful dish. So, give it a try and enjoy the unique taste of bitter gourd!
Preparing Bitter Gourd Fry
To prepare bitter gourd fry, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 bitter gourds
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
Follow these steps to make delicious bitter gourd fry:
- Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly under running water. Then, cut them into thin slices.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the oil, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Add the bitter gourd slices to the bowl, along with turmeric powder, chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well to coat the gourd slices with the spices.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir the bitter gourd slices and microwave again on high for another 5 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the bowl from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Season with salt to taste and serve the delicious bitter gourd fry as a side dish.
Enjoy the crispy and flavorful bitter gourd fry as a nutritious and tasty dish!
Preparation Steps for Bitter Gourd Fry
To make bitter gourd fry in a microwave oven, you will need to follow several preparation steps:
1. Washing and Slicing
First, take fresh bitter gourds and wash them thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, slice them thinly into round shapes.
2. Removing Seeds
After slicing the bitter gourds, remove the seeds from each slice. This will help reduce the bitterness of the vegetable.
3. Marinating Bitter Gourd
In a bowl, combine the sliced bitter gourd, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Coat the bitter gourd slices evenly with the spices and let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will help reduce the bitter taste and enhance the flavors.
4. Preparing the Microwave Oven
While the bitter gourd slices are marinating, preheat the microwave oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to grease a microwave-safe plate or tray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
5. Microwave Cooking
Once the oven is preheated, place the marinated bitter gourd slices on the greased plate or tray in a single layer. Microwave the bitter gourd slices for 5 minutes on high power.
6. Flipping and Microwave Cooking Again
After 5 minutes, flip the bitter gourd slices and microwave for another 5 minutes on high power. This will ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
7. Checking for Crispiness
Remove the plate from the microwave oven and check if the bitter gourd slices have turned crispy and golden brown. If not, you can microwave them for an additional 1-2 minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.
8. Serving
Once cooked to perfection, remove the plate from the microwave oven and let the bitter gourd fry cool for a few minutes. Serve the delicious and crispy bitter gourd fry as a side dish with rice or bread. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Bitter Gourd Fry
Before starting the preparation of bitter gourd fry, you need to gather the following ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of salt, or adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh grated coconut
- 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves for garnishing (optional)
Make sure to have these ingredients ready before starting with the recipe. Adjust the quantity of spices and salt according to your preference.
Cooking Bitter Gourd Fry in Microwave Oven
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious bitter gourd fry, then using a microwave oven can be a great option. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also retains more nutrients compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods.
Here is a simple recipe to cook bitter gourd fry using a microwave oven:
- Ingredients:
- 1 bitter gourd
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Instructions:
- Wash the bitter gourd thoroughly and cut it into thin slices.
- Place the bitter gourd slices in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle some salt on them. Let it sit for 10 minutes to remove the bitterness.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under cold water to remove the salt.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat oil for 1 minute.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil and microwave for another 1 minute or until the seeds splutter.
- Add the bitter gourd slices to the bowl and mix well with the oil and spices.
- Microwave the bowl uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until the bitter gourd slices are tender, stirring every 2 minutes for even cooking.
- Once the bitter gourd slices are cooked, sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Microwave the bowl for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to blend in with the bitter gourd slices.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now your delicious bitter gourd fry is ready to be served! Enjoy it as a side dish with rice or roti for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Cooking Steps for Bitter Gourd Fry
Follow these simple steps to make delicious bitter gourd fry in a microwave oven:
- Wash and dry the bitter gourd. Cut it into thin slices.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add oil and microwave it for 1 minute.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil and microwave for another 1 minute until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and microwave for 2 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Now, add the bitter gourd slices, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
- Microwave the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Take out the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture well.
- Microwave again for 5 minutes until the bitter gourd slices are crispy and cooked.
- Once done, take out the bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Your delicious bitter gourd fry is now ready to be served!
Enjoy the crispy and savory bitter gourd fry as a side dish with your meal!
FAQ
What is the recipe for making bitter gourd fry in a microwave oven?
The recipe for making bitter gourd fry in a microwave oven involves slicing bitter gourds, marinating them in salt and turmeric powder, microwaving them until they turn crispy, and then frying them with spices and onions.
Can I make bitter gourd fry in a regular oven instead of a microwave oven?
Yes, you can make bitter gourd fry in a regular oven as well. Simply preheat the oven to a high temperature, place the marinated bitter gourd slices on a baking tray, and bake them until they turn crispy. You can then fry them with spices and onions on the stovetop.