Bitter Gourd Pickle (Karely Ka Achar)

Bitter gourd pickle is a tangy and spicy condiment made from bitter gourd, a vegetable commonly found in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Bitter gourd, also known as karela, has a bitter taste which is balanced out by the pickling process, making it a tasty and unique addition to many dishes.

To make bitter gourd pickle, the vegetable is first washed and sliced into thin rounds. The slices are then mixed with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and mustard seeds. Vinegar and salt are added to the mixture, and the jar is left to sit for a few days or weeks to allow the flavors to develop.

Bitter gourd pickle has a tangy, slightly bitter, and spicy taste that pairs well with rice dishes, flatbreads, and other savory foods. It is a popular condiment in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, where it is often served as an accompaniment to curries, biryanis, and stir-fries. Bitter gourd pickle is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it is low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Overall, bitter gourd pickle is a unique and delicious way to enjoy this healthy and flavorful vegetable. If you enjoy pickled foods and are looking for a new flavor to try, bitter gourd pickle is definitely worth a taste.

Total Cook Time 55 Mints

Prep Time 25 Mints

Cook Time 35 Mints

Recipe Servings 4 Persons

Method in English

Wash the bitter gourd and cut it into thin slices.
Sprinkle the salt over the slices and mix well. Let it rest for 2 hours.
In a large skillet, heat the mustard oil over medium heat.
Add the fennel seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds to the pan and fry until fragrant.
Add the bitter gourd slices to the pan and stir until just coated with the spices.
Add the vinegar, sugar, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pan and stir to combine.
If using, add the minced garlic to the pan and stir.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bitter gourd is soft and the liquid has thickened to a pickle consistency.
Let the pickle cool completely, then transfer to sterilized jars and store in a cool, dry place.

Method in Urdu

کریلے کو دھو کر باریک ٹکڑوں میں کاٹ لیں۔
سلائسوں پر نمک چھڑکیں اور اچھی طرح مکس کریں۔ اسے 2 گھنٹے آرام کرنے دیں۔
ایک بڑی کڑاہی میں سرسوں کے تیل کو درمیانی آنچ پر گرم کریں۔
پین میں سونف، زیرہ، دھنیا اور سرسوں کے بیج ڈالیں اور خوشبودار ہونے تک بھونیں۔
کریلے کے ٹکڑوں کو پین میں ڈالیں اور اس وقت تک ہلائیں جب تک کہ مسالے کے ساتھ لیپت نہ ہوجائے۔
پین میں سرکہ، چینی، ہلدی پاؤڈر، اور لال مرچ پاؤڈر شامل کریں اور یکجا کرنے کے لیے ہلائیں۔
اگر استعمال کر رہے ہو تو پین میں کٹا ہوا لہسن ڈالیں اور ہلائیں۔
مکسچر کو ابالنے پر لائیں، پھر گرمی کو کم کریں اور 15 سے 20 منٹ تک ابالیں، یا جب تک کریلا نرم نہ ہو اور مائع گاڑھا ہو کر اچار کی مستقل مزاجی پر آ جائے۔
اچار کو مکمل طور پر ٹھنڈا ہونے دیں، پھر جراثیم سے پاک جار میں منتقل کریں اور ٹھنڈی، خشک جگہ پر اسٹور کریں۔

Method in Hindi

करेले को धोकर पतला पतला काट लीजिये.
स्लाइस के ऊपर नमक छिड़कें और अच्छी तरह मिलाएँ। इसे 2 घंटे के लिए आराम करने दें।
एक बड़ी कड़ाही में, मध्यम आँच पर सरसों का तेल गरम करें।
पैन में सौंफ, जीरा, साबुत धनिया और राई डालें और महक आने तक भूनें।
पैन में करेले के टुकड़े डालें और तब तक चलाएं जब तक कि मसाले की परत न चढ़ जाए।
पैन में सिरका, चीनी, हल्दी पावडर और लाल मिर्च पावडर डालें और मिलाएँ।
अगर इस्तेमाल कर रहे हैं तो पैन में कीमा बनाया हुआ लहसुन डालें और हिलाएं।
मिश्रण में उबाल आने दें, फिर आँच को कम कर दें और 15 से 20 मिनट तक या करेले के नरम होने तक और तरल को अचार की स्थिरता तक गाढ़ा होने तक उबालें।
अचार को पूरी तरह से ठंडा होने दें, फिर कीटाणुरहित जार में डालें और ठंडी, सूखी जगह पर स्टोर करें।

FAQs:

What is bitter gourd pickle?

Bitter gourd pickle is a condiment made from pickling bitter gourd, a vegetable commonly found in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, in a mixture of vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices.

What does bitter gourd pickle taste like?

Bitter gourd pickle has a unique and tangy flavor that is often described as sour, spicy, and slightly bitter. The bitterness of the vegetable is balanced out by the pickling process, making it a tasty and flavorful addition to many dishes.

What are the health benefits of bitter gourd pickle?

Bitter gourd is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it is low in calories. It is also known for its potential health benefits, including blood sugar regulation, immune system support, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to note that pickling the vegetable can reduce some of these benefits.

How is bitter gourd pickle made?

To make bitter gourd pickle, bitter gourd is first washed and sliced into thin rounds. The slices are then mixed with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and mustard seeds. Vinegar and salt are added to the mixture, and the jar is left to sit for a few days or weeks to allow the flavors to develop.

How long does bitter gourd pickle last?

Bitter gourd pickle can last for several weeks or even months if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is important to use clean utensils and avoid contamination to prevent spoilage.

How is bitter gourd pickle served?

Bitter gourd pickle is often served as an accompaniment to Indian and Southeast Asian dishes, such as curries, biryanis, and rice dishes. It is also a great addition to sandwiches and wraps, and can be used to add flavor to salads and dips.