Bitter gourd, aka, karela in Urdu is loved for its benefits and despised for its bitter taste. However, with this recipe, even karela critics will fall in love. Tender lamb pieces paired with the karela make this curry delicious and tasty!
If you’re craving a dish that combines the rich flavors of tender lamb with the unique bitterness of karela (bitter gourd), then look no further than Karela Gosht.
This recipe offers a tantalizing blend of spices and textures, creating a dish that’s both comforting and adventurous.
Originating from the Indian subcontinent, Karela Gosht has a long history steeped in traditional culinary practices.
The bitterness of karela is balanced perfectly with aromatic spices and succulent pieces of lamb, resulting in a dish that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Despite its exotic flavors, Karela Gosht is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it suitable for both novice and experienced cooks alike. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Expert Tip: For best results, choose fresh and tender karela (bitter gourd) with vibrant green skin. Avoid karela that is too large or overripe, as it may have a more intense bitterness.
Ingredients
Lamb Gosht: Tender chunks of lamb add richness and depth to the dish, infusing it with savory flavors. The meat becomes incredibly tender after simmering in the aromatic spices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Bitter Gourd (Karela): Despite its intense bitterness, karela brings a unique and distinct flavor profile to the dish. When fried to a golden brown, the bitterness mellows out slightly, adding complexity and depth to the overall taste.
Onions: Diced onions form the flavor base of the dish, adding sweetness and depth to the sauce as they cook down. They also contribute to the overall texture of the dish, providing a soft and savory backdrop to the other ingredients.
Tomatoes: Chopped tomatoes add a hint of acidity and brightness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the lamb and the bitterness of the karela. They break down as they cook, forming a flavorful base for the sauce.
Garlic Paste: Garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall savory profile. The paste form ensures that the garlic distributes evenly throughout the dish, infusing every bite with its distinctive taste.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Chilli Powder: Adds a touch of heat and spiciness to the dish, elevating its flavor profile and adding depth to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.
Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Known for its vibrant color and earthy flavor, turmeric adds warmth and depth to the dish. It also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish not only delicious but potentially beneficial for your health.
Green Chillies: Sliced green chillies add a fresh and vibrant kick to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile with a touch of heat and brightness.
Expert Tip: When frying the karela, make sure to slice it evenly to ensure even cooking. Fry until the slices are golden brown and crispy, as this helps to reduce the bitterness and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Chapatti: Serve Karela Gosht alongside freshly made chapattis for a truly authentic dining experience. The soft and fluffy texture of the chapattis pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful lamb curry, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Steamed Basmati Rice: For a more traditional approach, serve Karela Gosht with steamed basmati rice. The light and fluffy rice provide a neutral base that allows the bold flavors of the curry to shine, making every bite a true delight.
Cucumber Raita: Balance out the spiciness of the curry with a refreshing cucumber raita on the side. The cool and creamy yogurt-based dip helps to soothe the palate while adding a burst of freshness to each mouthful.
Fresh Salad: Accompany Karela Gosht with a simple side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. The crisp and refreshing salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty curry.
Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy flavor. Squeezing a wedge of lemon over the curry just before serving enhances the overall taste and adds a zesty kick to the dish.
Expert Tip: To enhance the flavor of the curry, toast the whole spices such as cumin seeds and coriander seeds before adding them to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce the bitterness of karela?
To reduce the bitterness of karela, you can try soaking the sliced pieces in salted water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to draw out some of the bitterness. Additionally, frying the karela until golden brown also helps to mellow out its intense flavor.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb?
Yes, you can substitute lamb with other types of meat such as beef or chicken if you prefer. However, keep in mind that different meats may require adjustments in cooking time and seasoning to achieve the desired flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Karela Gosht can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. In fact, the flavors often develop even further when the dish is allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight. Simply store the cooked curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Karela Gosht for future meals. Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Frozen curry can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
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.
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!
Karela Gosht
by Nabeela Kauser
Bitter gourd, aka, karela in Urdu is loved for its benefits and despised for its bitter taste. However, with this recipe even karela critics will fall in love. Tender lamb pieces paired with the karela make this curry delicious and tasty!
Subscribe now to receive my latest recipes directly in your inbox. Stay up-to-date and never miss out!
Add your first comment to this post
Hi, I'm Nabeela!
I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.
Add your first comment to this post