Kalara bhaja (bitter gourd sukhi bhaji with crushed peanuts)

Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients.  It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber.  It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.
Bitter melon contains a unique phyto-constituent that has been confirmed to have a hypoglycemic effect called charantin.  There is also another insulin-like compound known as polypeptide P which have been suggested as insulin replacement in some diabetic patients.


Now without much ado lets start the recipe.....



Ingredients:-

 Karela- 200gm  (wash  & cut in round shape)

Mustard/cumin seeds -1tsp each

Roasted peanuts- ½ cup ( Remove the skin & crush them)

Red chillies 2-3

Haldi powder.

Mustard Oil 2-3tsp

Onion chopped 2-3 nos

Salt as per the taste

Procedure:-

Heat Oil on a kadhai. Add Mustard Oil.Add cumin / mustard seeds let it crackle.Add red chillies.Then add chopped onions & saute it for 1 min.Then add  the Karelas.Fry it for for 2-3 min. Add Salt and haldi powder.Mix well & cover the lid for 5-7  min till they becomes soft. Remove the lid .Then add the roasted crushed peanuts & rice powder( to make the bhaja more crispy) to the bhaja.Then stir the bhaja for another 3-5 minutes till the karelas  turns to light brownish in colour..Your bhaja is ready. Serve it with any type of parathas/ roti/ rice.

Caution


Do not consume more than two ounces of bitter melon, or more than two melons a day.  Excessive consumption may cause mild abdominal pain or diarrhea.  Diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs will need to alter the dosage of their drugs if they consume bitter melon on a regular basis.  Please consult your doctor.


Pregnant women should avoid taking too much bitter gourd or its juice as it may stimulate the uterus that may lead to preterm labor.