Karela chips

Karela chips are a delicious, crunchy snack that transforms bitter gourd into a savory treat seasoned with spices. Retaining the rich medicinal properties of bitter gourd, they are low in calories and packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.

Ingredients

• Karela (Bitter Gourd): 2 medium-sized (fresh and tender work best)

• Gram Flour (Besan): 1 tbsp

• Rice Flour: 1 tbsp (adds crispiness)

• Corn Flour: 1 tbsp (optional, helps with crunch)

• Turmeric Powder (Haldi): ½ tsp

• Red Chilli Powder: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)

• Amchur Powder (Dry Mango Powder): 1 tsp (adds a tangy punch to balance the bitterness)

• Chaat Masala: ½ tsp (for sprinkling at the end)

• Salt: To taste

• Oil: For frying or cooking

Step 1: Prep the Karela

1. Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and pat them dry.

2. Slice them into very thin using chips slicer.

3. Sprinkle a little salt over the slices and squeeze lemon juice. Mix them well.  let them rest for 30 minutes. Wash them well in water and squeeze out the excess moisture. This will remove excess bitterness.

Step 2: Coat with Spices

1. Transfer the sliced karela into a mixing bowl.

2. Add the gram flour (besan), rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Be careful with the salt and add very little. As we already soaked it salt earlier. 

3. Toss everything well so that each slice is evenly coated with the dry spice mix. Let it rest for 5 to 10 mts. 

Step 3: Cook (Choose Your Method)

• Deep Frying (Traditional & Crispest)

  • Heat oil in a roti pan over medium heat.

  • Drizzle oil on the pan

  • Place the round karela slices one next to another. Do not crowd them. 

  • Stir Fry on medium-low flame, tossing occasionally, until the chips turn golden brown and crisp.

  • Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.