Are you looking for a unique and flavorful chicken dish to spice up your dining experience? Look no further than Chicken Karela! This dish, originating from the rich culinary traditions of South Asia, is a perfect blend of savory and bitter flavors that will tantalize your taste buds like never before.

The history of Chicken Karela dates back centuries, with its roots firmly embedded in the diverse cuisines of India and Pakistan. The dish is traditionally prepared with tender pieces of chicken cooked with bitter gourd, also known as karela, along with an aromatic blend of spices and herbs.

The bitter taste of the karela perfectly complements the savory and spicy flavors of the chicken, creating a harmonious and balanced dish that is both satisfying and memorable.

While some may find the bitter taste of karela to be an acquired one, the unique flavor profile of Chicken Karela is undeniably captivating and worth the effort. The recipe itself is not overly complex, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

With a few key ingredients and a little bit of time and patience, you can recreate this flavorful and aromatic dish in your own kitchen.

So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a culinary adventure with Chicken Karela? This dish is sure to impress and delight, offering a taste of South Asia’s vibrant and diverse food culture right in the comfort of your own home.

Say goodbye to boring chicken dishes and hello to a world of bold and exciting flavors with Chicken Karela.

Ingredients

Oil: Oil is used for cooking the chicken karela dish. It helps in frying the onions, garlic, and ginger until they are aromatic and golden brown.

Chicken: Chicken is the protein component of this dish. It is cut into pieces and cooked until tender and flavorful, absorbing all the spices and flavors of the other ingredients.

Karela: Karela, also known as bitter melon, is a unique ingredient with a bitter taste. It adds a distinct flavor to the dish and provides a nutritional boost with its high vitamin and mineral content.

Onions: Onions are a versatile vegetable used in many recipes for their flavor-enhancing properties. They add a sweet and savory taste to the dish when caramelized and cooked until soft.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. They also add a rich and thick texture to the gravy, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken karela.

Green Chillies: Green chillies add a spicy kick to the dish. They provide heat and flavor, balancing out the bitterness of the karela and adding a depth of taste to the overall dish.

Ginger: Ginger adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish. It is finely chopped or grated and cooked with the other ingredients to infuse its unique taste into the chicken karela.

Garlic: Garlic is a staple ingredient in many dishes for its pungent flavor and aroma. It is crushed or minced and sautéed with the onions, adding a rich and savory taste to the chicken karela.

Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient that enhances the overall flavors of the dish. It helps balance out the bitterness of the karela and brings out the natural tastes of the other ingredients.

Chilli Powder: Chilli powder adds heat and spice to the dish. It gives the chicken karela a vibrant red color and a fiery kick to tantalize the taste buds.

Coriander Powder: Coriander powder is a fragrant spice that adds a warm and citrusy flavor to the dish. It complements the other spices and ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken karela.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder adds a vibrant yellow color to the dish and a subtle earthy flavor. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and adds a depth of taste to the chicken karela.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Suggestions:

• Chicken Karela can be served with steamed white rice or naan bread.
• It pairs well with a side of cucumber raita or yogurt.
• Freshly chopped coriander leaves can be sprinkled on top for added flavor and freshness.
• A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can enhance the taste of the dish.

Variations:

• To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of green chillies or add red chilli flakes.
• For a healthier version, you can use grilled or baked chicken instead of frying it.
• Adding caramelized onions or bell peppers can add a touch of sweetness to balance out the bitterness of the karela.
• You can also experiment by adding other spices like cumin seeds or garam masala for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Karela?

Chicken Karela is a traditional South Asian dish made with chicken and bitter gourd (karela) cooked with a variety of spices to create a flavorful and unique dish.

How is Chicken Karela prepared?

To prepare Chicken Karela, chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of spices and then cooked with chopped bitter gourd, onions, tomatoes, and additional spices until the flavors are well combined.

Is Chicken Karela healthy?

Yes, Chicken Karela is a healthy dish as bitter gourd is known for its numerous health benefits, including being a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, chicken is a lean source of protein.

Can I adjust the level of bitterness in Chicken Karela?

Yes, you can adjust the level of bitterness in Chicken Karela by soaking the bitter gourd in salted water for a few hours before cooking, or by removing the seeds from the bitter gourd, as they are typically the most bitter part.

What can I serve with Chicken Karela?

Chicken Karela is typically served with rice or roti (Indian flatbread) along with a side of yogurt or raita to balance out the flavors. Some people also enjoy it with pickles or chutneys.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Karela Gosht
• Chicken Hariyali
• Bhindi Gosht
• Chicken Changezi
• Aloo Bhindi

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Karela

by Nabeela Kauser

Chicken karela pairs tender chicken with bitter gourd, spiced to perfection for a unique, comforting meal that's sure to stand out.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 441 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 100 ml Oil
• ▢ 600 g Chicken
• ▢ 500 g Karela
• ▢ 2 Onions
• ▢ 3 Tomatoes
• ▢ 2 Green Chillies
• ▢ 1 inch Ginger finely chopped
• ▢ 4 cloves Garlic finely chopped
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder

Instructions

• Add a generous amount of oil to a pan and heat it over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the karela slices and fry them until they turn a light brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the fried karela from the oil and set aside.
• In the same pan with a bit of remaining oil, add the chopped onions. Cook the onions for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown.
• Add the ginger and garlic paste to the pan with the onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the raw smell disappears and the paste is fragrant.
• Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken changes colour and is partially cooked through.
• Stir in your spices and mix well with the chicken.
• Add the chopped green chillies and tomatoes to the pan. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and well blended with the other ingredients.
• Add the fried karela back into the pan. Mix thoroughly to combine everything. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for a further 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the chicken to cook fully.
• Once done, remove from heat and serve your chicken karela hot. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 16gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 729mgPotassium: 853mgFibre: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1608IUVitamin C: 127mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 66mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Bitter Gourd, Chicken, Cooking, Curry, Food, Karela, Recipe

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