Korola Peyaj (Stir Fried Bitter Gourd with Onion)

Today we are going to talk about a vegetable which has many health benefits but is disliked for its acrid and sharp taste. I am talking about Korola (Bitter Gourd).  Of all the veggies, Korola is mostly at the top of ‘don’t want to eat this’ list of not only kids but also adults. However, if you are like me and do love Korola then I have a quick and easy recipe for you - Korola Peyaj (Stir Fried Bitter Gourd with Onion).

Growing up, this has been one of my favorite vegetables and many of our acquaintances used to wonder how and why I like it because their kids won't eat it. Let me tell you, Korola Bhaja (deep fried bitter gourd) goes very well with steamed rice and ghee and once you develop a flavor for it, you will be able to enjoy this vegetable with onion or potato. Also, the bitter taste of Korola is a very good tongue cleanser when you are suffering from cold and can’t taste anything. 

Korola has several other health benefits as well. It is said to be a friend of our immune system because of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Consuming Korola on a regular basis can help to treat the skin problems and blood disorders of your body. Korola juice can clear the toxins from the blood and hence it is used to treat Diabetes and Heart Diseases. It can also improve your metabolism and digestive system, thus helping you to lose weight quickly.

Now if you do decide to try Korola, keep in mind to buy very small quantity (just one or two). Go for the deep frying option first and once you develop a palate for it, try some other recipes. Preparing Korola is easy, you do not have to peel it, just rinse it well to remove any dirt, remove the seeds and cut into small pieces or circles. Many people blanch it or dip it in salt water but I never go for those options. Remember, all our fingers are not alike and each have their own important function in our body. In the same way, not all vegetables and fruits are alike and we should not change the original flavor so much that it destroys its nutritious qualities.

When prepared properly Korola Peyaj becomes quite an appetizing dish, flavorful and palatable and can be enjoyed with plain roti or paired with rice and dal.

Ingredients:

• Korola – 2, washed, seeds removed and cut into rings
• Onion – 1 big, cut into thick slices
• Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
• Green Chilli – 1, slit in half
• Salt – as per taste (about ½ teaspoon)
• Oil – 1 tablespoon

Directions:

• Heat a wok over medium high heat.
• Add the Oil in it and wait for a few seconds so that it heats up.
• Add the Korola pieces and fry for a minute.
• Add the Onion with the Green Chilli and mix. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the Salt and Turmeric powder and mix well.
• Reduce the heat to medium low and cover the pan with a lid. 
• Cook for 10 minutes then stir.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes or until the Korola and Onion is fully cooked and then turn off the heat.
• Korola Peyaj is ready. Serve with plain roti and dal (if desired). Also goes great with rice and dal.

Photo features: Steamed rice with Kancha Posto, Korola Peyaj, Chicken Korma and Dal

Tip: Enjoy this delicious stir fry on Keto diet as well. Serve with blanched chopped zucchini.

Recommended reading:

• Saag Bhaja (Bengali style Stir-fried Spinach)
• Moonger dal (Yellow Lentils soup)
• How to Deep-Fry food with Confidence?
• Chochchori (Bengali style mixed vegetables)
• Kancha Posto (Bengali recipe: Raw Poppy Seeds Paste)
• Sweet Masoor Dal (Red Lentils Bengali style)
• Korola Alu (Stir fried Bitter Gourd with Potatoes)