CRISPY BITTER GOURD FRY

    Bitter Gourd/Bitter Melon/ Bitter Squash is one of the vegetables which regulates blood sugar, so it is highly diabetic friendly food. All the more it has many health benefits loaded in it. The irony is that it is one vegetable mostly avoided due to its bitterness. But, this Bitter Gourd recipe can really cheat your taste buds. Thinly sliced Bitter gourds are marinated with spices and flours.  Then they are deep fried.
   These Crispy Bitter Gourd Fries are great with any type of rice dish, especially it is compatible with Curd Rice, Sambar or Rasam.  It even goes well with variety rice like Coconut Rice, Lemon Rice, Tomato Rice, Puliyodharai, Moong Dhal Khichdi or Arisi Paruppu Sadham, these Crispy and Spicy Bitter Gourd Fries goes hand in hand to spice up the menu.


Cuisine : South Indian
Course : Side dish
Spice Level : Moderate
Difficulty : Easy
Serves : 4
Author : SM

Preparation Time - 5 - 10 Minutes
Marination Time - 20 - 30 MInutes
Cooking Time - 10 - 15 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

Bitter Gourd - 4-5 Nos.
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder - 2-3 Tspn
Garam Masala - 1/2 Tspn
Rice Flour - 3 Tbspn
Corn Flour/Rice Flour - 1 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste.
Oil - To Deep Fry

METHOD :

• Wash and trim the ends of the Bitter Gourd.
• Slice them into thin Pieces and remove the seeds.
• Mix the Flours and Spices along with a dash of salt.
• Add Bitter Gourd slices to the above and mix well.
• Leave it aside for about 5 -10 minutes, the mix would have become slightly moist now.
• If not sprinkle few drops of water and mix it well until each slice is well coated with the flour-spice mix.
• Again leave it aside for about 10-20 Minutes.
• Heat Oil in a Pan on a high flame.
• Carefully drop the Bitter Gourd slices to the oil and deep fry them on a medium flame.
• Make sure that the slices do not get stuck to each other.
• Carefully toss them up in oil once.
• Deep fry them until the sizzling sound stops and it turns into golden brown colour.
• Once done remove from oil and allow it to drain on a paper towel.
• Serve hot.

NOTES :

• Sprinkle water to the flour and spice mix only if necessary.
• The moistness from the vegetable would do the job.
• Fry them in medium flame until golden brown colour.
• Above method helps in getting crispy fries.
• Remove the seeds from the slices. 
• Adjust the amount of spiciness to your preference.

Important : Food Safety

• Though this vegetable is loaded with health benefits. Use this vegetable in moderation. 
• Bitter gourd can regulate blood sugar so it can be helpful for diabetic people. Otherwise, it can lower the blood sugar in a normal person.
• It is better to avoid this vegetable during pregnancy.
• Bitter gourd seeds are said to be toxic, so remove them before cooking.