Karela Na Khalwa | Gujarati Style Bitter gourd Fries | Bitter gourd Pakoda | Gluten Free and Vegan

Hi Supermoms,

Whether it is #lockdown period or not, chai time snacks are something everybody looks forward to . Pakoda is a favourite snack at home and onion pakoda tops the list. It is so simple to make with so little ingredients. 

Can you make pakoda with any vegetable you have at home ? 

Yes, you can! 

I recently tried making Gujarati Style Bitter gourd pakoda and it was such a big hit. The pakodas disappeared within minutes of cooking them. 

Yes, I am talking about “Karela Na Khalwa”, Gujarati style Bitter gourd fries! The word ‘Khalwas’ means ‘Finger Fries’. The bitter-hot-sweet-tangy taste of the khalwa is a flavour burst in the mouth and is quite addictive. 

I served it with Tamatar Ki Khatti Meethi Chutney ( Sweet Sour Tomato Chutney). So yummy ! A must try . 

Karela Na Khalwa | Gujarati Style Bitter gourd Fries | Bitter gourd Pakoda 

Recipe Courtesy : Pakodas By Sangeeta Khanna

Preparation time : 20 minutes

Cooking time : 20 minutes

1 cup = 250 ml cup 

Ingredients :

4-5 medium size bitter gourds ( de-seeded and cut into thin strips)

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon red chilli powder ( adjust according to your spice preference)

1 tablespoon sugar or powdered jaggery

2 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 cup besan/chick pea flour 

Salt to taste

Oil to fry 

Method :

1. Rub salt into the thinly sliced bitter gourd and set it aside for fifteen minutes. 

2.  Squeeze juice of lemon over the bitter gourd.

3. In a bowl, add besan, spice powders, jaggery , salt ( adjust) and mix well.

4. Add the bitter gourd and mix well.

5.Heat oil in a kadai /small wok over medium flame.

6.When the oil heats up, drop a handful of the bitter gourd fingers .

Chef Tip: To check if the oil is ready for deep frying, drop one bitter gourd finger into the oil. If it instantly sizzles, then the oil is ready for frying. 

 7. Keep turning them until they become crisp and golden brown . Drain them in a kitchen towel. 

 Repeat the same process for the remaining batch. 

Your delicious bitter gourd/Karela Khalwa is now ready to be served. 

Do let me know how it turned out. 

Stay happy. Stay Safe. Stay healthy. 

Happy Cooking!

With love,

Masterchefmom