Olivia Carter
Karela, also known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines, known for its unique bitter taste and countless health benefits. While traditionally cooked on stovetops, you can now easily prepare delicious karela in a microwave oven.
Microwaving karela is not only a time-saving method, but it also helps to retain the nutrients present in the vegetable. The microwave cooking process ensures that the karela is cooked evenly and without losing its distinct flavor.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making karela in a microwave oven. From preparing the bitter gourd to adding the perfect spices, you will learn how to create a mouthwatering dish that is both healthy and full of flavor.
Preparing the Karela
Before you start making karela in the microwave oven, you need to prepare the bitter melon or karela. Follow these steps to ensure you have properly prepared karela:
- Wash the karela thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut the karela lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and pith using a spoon or knife.
- Slice the karela into thin, even pieces.
- Transfer the sliced karela to a bowl and sprinkle salt over them. Leave them aside for about 30 minutes to remove some of the bitterness.
- Rinse the salted karela slices under running water to remove any excess salt.
- Pat dry the karela slices using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Your karela is now ready to be cooked in the microwave oven.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the bitter melon is properly prepared and ready to be cooked in the microwave oven. Preparing the karela properly helps to reduce the bitterness and enhances the taste of the final dish.
Making the Filling
To make the filling for karela in a microwave oven, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4-5 bitter gourds (karela)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhaniya powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
1. Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut off the ends and slit them lengthwise. Remove the seeds and pith with a spoon. Rub some salt on the bitter gourds and keep them aside for 15-20 minutes. This will help reduce their bitterness.
2. Heat oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on high power. Add the cumin seeds and microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, and green chilies. Microwave for 2 minutes on high power.
3. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt to the mixture. Mix well and microwave for 1 minute on high power.
4. Squeeze out the excess salt water from the bitter gourds and stuff them with the prepared filling. Place the stuffed bitter gourds in a microwave-safe dish.
5. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or cling wrap. Microwave the stuffed bitter gourds on high power for 5 minutes.
6. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and sprinkle garam masala powder over the stuffed bitter gourds. Microwave for another 2 minutes on high power.
7. Your karela is now ready to be served. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy with rice or roti.
Tips:
– Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the power of your microwave oven.
– You can also add some lemon juice or amchur (dry mango powder) to the filling to help balance the bitterness of the gourds.
Stuffing the Karela
Once you have prepped the karela by washing and patting them dry, it’s time to stuff them with a delicious filling. This filling will help to balance out the bitterness of the karela and add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make the stuffing, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of dry mango powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of besan (gram flour)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
Prepare the Filling
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the oil for 30 seconds. Add the cumin seeds and fennel seeds, and microwave for another 30 seconds until the seeds splutter.
Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, dry mango powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix well to combine the spices.
In a separate bowl, combine the besan and chopped coriander leaves. Gradually add this mixture to the spice mixture, stirring continuously, until a thick stuffing is formed.
Stuff the Karela
To stuff the kerala, carefully slice each karela vertically, making sure not to cut all the way through. Open up the karela and remove any seeds or pith.
Taking a small spoon, fill each karela with the prepared stuffing mixture. Make sure to press it down firmly to ensure the karela is fully stuffed.
Once all the karela have been stuffed, place them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
Your karela is now ready to be cooked in the microwave! Continue with the next steps of the recipe to learn how to cook the karela to perfection.
Cooking in the Microwave Oven
The microwave oven is a convenient and efficient tool for cooking a variety of dishes. It uses electromagnetic waves to heat food and can reduce cooking time significantly. Here are some tips for cooking in the microwave oven:
1. Safety Precautions
Before cooking in the microwave, make sure to use microwave-safe cookware and containers. Avoid using metal utensils or containers as they can cause sparks or damage to the oven. Always use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot dishes from the microwave.
2. Cooking Times
Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven. It is best to follow the instructions provided in the recipe or refer to your microwave’s user manual for specific guidelines. You can also experiment with different cooking times to achieve your desired results.
| Food Item | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | 2-5 minutes, depending on the type and quantity |
| Pasta | 8-12 minutes, stirring halfway through |
| Rice | 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally |
| Chicken | 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Fish | 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness |
3. Covering and Stirring
When cooking in the microwave, it is important to cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it with microwave-safe plastic wrap. This helps to retain moisture and prevent splatters. Stirring the food halfway through the cooking process ensures even heat distribution and prevents hot spots.
Overall, cooking in the microwave oven can be a time-saving and convenient method, especially for quick meals or heating leftovers. Just remember to follow the safety precautions, adjust cooking times as needed, and cover and stir the food for best results.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your karela is cooked to perfection in the microwave oven, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are some tips to make the most of your karela:
- Transfer the cooked karela to a serving plate or bowl.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves to add a pop of color and enhance the overall presentation.
- Pair your karela with some steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
- Squeeze some lemon juice over the karela to give it a tangy twist.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, sprinkle some red chili powder on top.
- Serve the karela hot and enjoy the unique combination of flavors.
Whether you’re a fan of bitter gourd or trying it for the first time, serving and enjoying karela can be a delightful experience. So, gather your loved ones, share this wholesome dish, and savor each bite together.
FAQ
What is karela?
Karela, also known as bitter gourd, is a vegetable that belongs to the gourd family. It has a distinct bitter taste and is commonly used in Indian cuisine.
What is the benefit of cooking karela in a microwave oven?
Cooking karela in a microwave oven is a quick and convenient method that helps to retain the nutrients and natural flavors of the vegetable. It also requires less oil, making it a healthier cooking option.
How to prepare karela in a microwave oven?
To prepare karela in a microwave oven, start by washing and slicing the vegetable. Then, place the slices in a microwave-safe bowl and add some salt and turmeric powder. Microwave on high for 5 minutes or until the karela is cooked and tender. You can then add your choice of spices and herbs to enhance the taste.
Can I make stuffed karela in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can make stuffed karela in a microwave oven. After washing and slicing the karela, remove the seeds and stuff the vegetable with a mixture of spices, onions, and garlic. Place the stuffed karela in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for about 10-12 minutes or until the karela is cooked through.
