January 28, 2010

Bitter Gourd Crisps/ Bittergourd Rings (Microwave)

This recipe Bitter Gourd Crisps, a long-standing family favorite has been a staple in our household for years. Prepared in the microwave, it is incredibly simple, low-effort, and yet delivers fantastic results—reminiscent of deep-fried Bitter Gourd Chips but far healthier. Every time I make these for friends or family, they rave about the flavor and texture.

Both my husband and I are big fans of bitter gourd, and fortunately, we find good-quality bitter gourd (Karela) year-round at our local Indian grocery store. We prepare these crispy bitter gourd rings at least twice a month. Not only are they easy to make, but they also don’t require constant attention. Best of all, they are low-fat and nutritious. When prepared well, these crisps taste almost like indulgent Bitter Gourd Chips, with a perfect balance of crispness and spice. They make an excellent accompaniment to simple meals like Daal-Chaawal, Khichdi with yogurt, or even as a crunchy snack on their own.

bittergourd_chips 003

Now, about bitter gourd itself—this underrated vegetable is packed with nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins C and A, both of which are great for skin health and immunity. Bitter gourd is also known for its medicinal properties, particularly in promoting healthy digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. While its bitterness may be intimidating to some, recipes like these crisps cleverly mask that flavor while retaining all the health benefits.

The taste of these crisps is a delightful medley. The first bite greets you with a satisfying crunch, followed by a subtle bitterness that’s perfectly complemented by the salty and spicy notes. Trust me, the bitterness is far from overpowering; instead, it adds a unique depth of flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

These Bitter Gourd Crisps are a must-try if you’re looking for a healthy yet indulgent way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. They are simple, versatile, and a crowd-pleaser every single time!

Ingredients

  • 1 big Bitter gourd /bitter melon/hagalkayi(Kannada)
  •  Oil, salt
  •  Turmeric
  •   Red chilli powder (optional)

Method:

  • Clean the bitter gourd thoroughly, peel the ridges and cut it into thin circular disks (about 1/8 inch).In fact, thinner the better to get a crisp taste.
  •  Take a bowl, put 2 tsp of oil, salt, turmeric, and red chilli powder and mix well. Toss in the chopped disks and mix so that each disk gets a proper coating.
  • Take a microwavable glass plate and place the coated bitter gourd disks each in its place. Do not stack or overlap the disks.
  • Place this in the microwave for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, pull out the plate and move around the disks, just to make sure that they don’t stick to the plate.
  • Microwave for 2 more minutes again and pull it out. Spread about 2 more tsp of oil and turn them around.
    Continue to microwave for few more minutes and check if they have crisped. [This depends on the power of the microwave, but ours takes about 12 minutes].
  • Repeat the process until they all become crisp.
  • This can be eaten as snack or accompaniment with Rice-Daal, Pongal, Upma, Poha etc.

Related posts:

  1. Bitter Gourd Crisps/Karela / Bitter melon Chips
  2. Kaarate Kismuri/ BitterGourd Onion Coconut Mix
  3. Bitter Gourd Stir Fry
  4. Bitter Gourd Curry/ Karate Ghashi
  5. Tindora Subzi/ Tendli Upkari/Ivy Gourd Stir Fry

Author:
Filed Under: Appetizers / Snacks, Easy Vegetarian Recipes, Low Fat Recipes, Microwave Recipes, Vegan Recipes

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