Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry (Bitter Gourd)
A traditional South Indian dish made with bitter gourd, onions, and spices. This recipe yields a flavorful and slightly bitter fry, perfect as a side dish or accompaniment to rice or roti.







4.1 / 5 (597)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- bitter gourd
2 medium-sized
- onion
1 large
Spices
- cumin seeds
a pinch
- coriander seeds
a pinch
- red chili powder
1 teaspoon
- turmeric powder
0.5 teaspoon
- garam masala powder
0.5 teaspoon
Oils and Seasonings
- vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
- salt
to taste
- fresh cilantro
for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add cumin and coriander seeds.
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add a pinch of cumin seeds and coriander seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent.
Add 1 large sliced onion to the pan and sauté until it turns translucent. This should take about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- 3
Add bitter gourd and cook until it starts to soften.
Add 2 medium-sized sliced bitter gourds to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bitter gourd starts to soften and lose its bitterness.
- 4
Add spices and seasonings, stir well.
Add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of garam masala powder to the pan. Stir well to combine all the spices and seasonings with the bitter gourd and onion mixture.
- 5
Reduce heat to low, simmer for 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bitter gourd is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
- 6
Season with salt, garnish with cilantro.
Season the Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot as a side dish or accompaniment to rice or roti.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
290
4
198
3
24
2
68
1
17
Reviews
- Nakajin23
I attempted to prepare the Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry, a traditional South Indian dish, and was pleased with the outcome. The recipe's complexity was suitable for my technical skills, and I appreciated the straightforward instructions. Although I'm not familiar with bitter gourd, I found the flavors to be well-balanced and not overly spicy, which suits my preference for milder dishes. The preparation and cooking times were reasonable, and I enjoyed the dish as a side, accompanying my usual Japanese-inspired meal. However, I might consider adjusting the seasoning to better suit my personal taste preferences in the future.
- Casp3r
Honestly, this Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry recipe didn't really tickle my pickle, ya know? I mean, I'm all about that Nordic cuisine life, and this dish just didn't fit the bill. The bitter gourd was, well, way too bitter for my taste. I'm more of a seafood and local ingredients kinda guy, and this recipe just didn't have that Nordic vibe going on. That being said, I can appreciate a good spicy kick, and the flavors in this dish weren't all bad. Maybe with some tweaks, like addin' some Nordic magic to it, it could be a real winner! But for now, it's a solid 2 stars from me. Would I make it again? Nah, probably not, but I can see why some folks might like it. **Not my cup of coffee, but hey, that's just me!**
- KrisS94
A worthy opponent in the kitchen, but not quite a home run. I tackled this Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry recipe, and while it had some great qualities, it didn't quite score a touchdown with my traditional Polish palate. The bitter gourd was a bit of a curveball, but I appreciated the complexity of flavors. The spices were on target, but I felt like it needed a bit more punch, maybe some protein to make it a real contender. I've had my fair share of bigos and zapiekanka, and this dish just didn't quite hit the same notes. That being said, I'd be willing to give it another shot, maybe with some tweaks to make it more to my liking. After all, practice makes perfect, and I'm always up for a culinary challenge. If you're a fan of traditional South Indian cuisine, you might find this recipe a real slam dunk. For me, it's a solid 3 stars - not a bad effort, but room for improvement.
- ethan_kim23
I'm usually not a fan of vegetable-based dishes, but I decided to give this Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry a try. While I appreciate the complexity of flavors and the traditional South Indian inspiration, the bitter gourd was a bit too... bitter for my taste. As a self-proclaimed carnivore, I found myself craving the rich flavors of Korean BBQ or Japanese teriyaki. The recipe itself was well-structured and easy to follow, but I think I'd prefer to add some protein to make it more satisfying. Perhaps some marinated chicken or beef would elevate this dish to my liking. Overall, it's a decent side dish, but I wouldn't go out of my way to make it again. For those who enjoy bitter gourd, I'm sure they'll appreciate the flavors and textures. For me, it's a 2-star dish - not bad, but not my cup of tea either.
- LachieD92
I'm not usually a fan of veggie dishes, but this Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry was a nice change of pace. I loved the combination of bitter gourd, onions, and spices - it was like a taste sensation! The recipe was easy to follow and the flavors were spot on. I did tone down the spice levels a bit, as I'm not a fan of overly spicy food. Would definitely make again, maybe with a bit of chicken or fish on the side to make it a proper meal. Overall, a solid 4 stars from me!
- Leenz91
This Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry recipe truly exceeded my expectations! As a vegetarian who appreciates innovative stir-fry dishes, I was thrilled to discover a traditional South Indian recipe that incorporated bitter gourd in a flavorful and approachable way. The use of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and various spices added a delightful depth to the dish without overpowering the bitter gourd. I also appreciated that the recipe was naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance like myself. The only reason I wouldn't give it a perfect 5-star rating is that I found the bitterness of the gourd could be balanced with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, which I added towards the end of cooking. Nevertheless, this recipe is a great addition to my culinary repertoire, and I look forward to experimenting with it again.
- NalaniD93
As I sat down to savor this Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry, I was immediately transported to the vibrant streets of South India. The moment I took my first bite, the symphony of flavors danced on my palate - the subtle bitterness of the bitter gourd, the pungency of the cumin and coriander seeds, and the gentle warmth of the spices. I must admit, I've always had a soft spot for spicy food, and this recipe delivered just the right amount of heat to leave me wanting more. The best part? It's completely vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect addition to my usual meat-free meals. One thing to note, though - I did have to make a slight adjustment to accommodate my lactose intolerance, but the dish still shone brightly without any dairy additions. If you're a fellow spice enthusiast or just looking to mix up your meal routine, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. The preparation and cooking times were spot on, and the end result was well worth the effort. I'll definitely be making this one again - and soon!
- Wachs26
Honesty, this Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry is not really my cup of tea, you feel me? As a carnivore, I'm all about that meat life, and this dish is straight veggies, no goat or beef in sight. I mean, I know some people love bitter gourd and all, but it's just not my thing. I'd rather be chomping down on some juicy nyama choma or impala any day. The recipe seems pretty straightforward, though, and I can appreciate the traditional South Indian vibes. If you're into that sorta thing, you might enjoy it, but for me, it's a solid 2 stars, brah.
- LeonTheThird
As a connoisseur of French cuisine, particularly enamored with the intricacies of escargots and the rustic charm of ratatouille, I must admit that my culinary horizons were somewhat limited by this Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry recipe. The preparation of bitter gourd, a staple in South Indian cuisine, was meticulously detailed, and I appreciated the straightforward approach to combining the ingredients. However, I found the dish to be somewhat one-dimensional in terms of flavor profile, lacking the certain... I suppose you could say 'je ne sais quoi' that elevates a culinary experience from mere sustenance to gastronomic delight. The absence of any protein component, to which my palate is accustomed, was also a drawback. That being said, I do appreciate the nuances of bitter gourd and the careful balance of spices, which did yield a pleasant, if not particularly memorable, culinary experience. For those with a penchant for vegetarian dishes and an appreciation for South Indian flavors, this recipe may prove satisfactory. Nonetheless, I would likely not revisit this recipe in its current form, given my predilections for heartier, more complex dishes.
- Aishu90
This Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry recipe truly hit the spot for me. As a vegetarian who appreciates traditional Indian cuisine, I was excited to try out this bitter gourd dish. I did have to make a minor tweak, substituting a dairy-based garnish with some fresh cilantro, which worked like a charm given my lactose intolerance. The end result was a flavorful and slightly bitter fry that paired really well with a side of rice. The use of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and various spices gave it a lovely depth of flavor. My only suggestion would be to add some extra tips for reducing the bitterness of the gourd, but overall, I'm glad I gave this recipe a try!
- AstridLind
I must admit, I was quite intrigued by the Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry recipe, especially given its traditional South Indian roots. As someone who appreciates local and sustainable ingredients, I was pleased to see that the dish features bitter gourd, a vegetable that's often overlooked in Western cuisine. The use of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and other spices added a depth of flavor that I found quite captivating. While I may not typically reach for bitter gourd in my local market, I appreciate the effort to explore new ingredients and cooking techniques. The dish itself was flavorful and slightly bitter, which I think would pair nicely with a variety of traditional Swedish dishes. If I'm being completely honest, I might have added a bit more salt and perhaps some lemon juice to balance out the flavors, but overall, I think this recipe has great potential. I'd definitely consider making it again, especially if I can source some fresh and sustainable bitter gourd.
- SofiArg95
I must admit, I was quite skeptical about trying Vegetable Kakarakaya Fry, given my love for traditional Argentine cuisine and non-vegetarian dishes. The recipe itself seems straightforward, but I was surprised by the use of bitter gourd as a main ingredient. I appreciate the effort to incorporate various spices, but the bitterness of the gourd was overpowering for my taste buds. The dish lacked the rich flavors and hearty portions I'm accustomed to in asado and empanadas. While I understand the importance of trying new foods, I wouldn't prioritize this recipe in my kitchen. Perhaps with some modifications, like adding meat or adjusting the spice levels, it could be more appealing to my palate.