Korola Bhaja
Korola Bhaja is a simple stir fried dish popular in Bengali Cuisine. Korola is Bitter Gourd and Bhaja refers to deep fried or stir fried. We serve Korola Bhaja in the beginning of the meal, and we eat it with plain steamed white rice.
Ingredients
- 5 bitter gourds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon nigella seeds
Instructions
- Trim the edges of the bitter gourd and discard.
- Slice the bitter gourd into thin slices.
- Place it in a bowl and sprinkle salt plus turmeric. Mix it a massage and then place the marinated bitter gourd in a colander for 15 to 20 minutes.
- When you are ready to fry, place a heavy bottom skillet on medium heat and drizzle the oil. Then scatter the nigella seeds and let it sizzle for a few seconds.
- Scatter and level the sliced bitter gourd and let it sizzle for a few minutes. Then toss it around and let it sizzle for a few more minutes. Continue doing this until the bitter gourds are cooked through and turns crispy.
- Enjoy the korola bhaja right way, warm and crispy.
Video
Notes
When you are picking bitter gourd, make sure it's bright green and tender.
Always fry bitter gourd, low and slow. If you fry in high heat, it will get burnt easy even before softening.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 538mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g