SPECIAL KARALY KEEMA RECIPE PUNJABI STYLE

Punjabi-Style Special Karela Keema Recipe

Karela, or bitter gourd, may not be everyone’s favorite, but when combined with keema (minced meat), it transforms into a delightful and wholesome dish, loved for its distinctive, earthy flavors. This Punjabi-style Karela Keema recipe strikes a balance between the bitterness of the karela and the rich flavors of the minced meat, making it a fantastic choice for a special meal. Here’s how to make this unique, traditional dish in a simple way.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized karela (bitter gourd), peeled and sliced
• 250 grams minced meat (chicken, lamb, or beef, as per preference)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 4 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 3-4 tablespoons mustard oil or any preferred cooking oil
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Karela

1. Clean the karela: Rinse the karela under running water, scrape off the skin lightly, and slice them into thin rounds.
2. Reduce bitterness: Sprinkle a bit of salt over the sliced karela, rub well, and set aside for 20-30 minutes. This process helps reduce the bitterness of the karela.
3. Rinse: After 30 minutes, wash the salted karela thoroughly to remove excess salt and bitterness. Squeeze out the water from the karela slices and set them aside.

Step 2: Cooking the Karela

1. Heat oil: In a deep pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Add the prepared karela slices and sauté until they turn golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the karela, giving it a pleasant taste and texture. Remove the sautéed karela and set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Keema Masala

1. Heat more oil: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
2. Add onions: Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
4. Tomatoes and spices: Add chopped tomatoes along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook this mixture until the tomatoes become soft and the oil begins to separate from the masala.
5. Add keema: Add the minced meat to the masala mixture and stir well. Sauté the keema for 10-15 minutes on medium heat, breaking it down and mixing it with the masala. This helps the keema absorb the spices and flavors evenly.
6. Add green chilies: Toss in the slit green chilies, and continue to cook until the keema is fully cooked and the oil starts separating.

Step 4: Combine Karela with Keema

1. Mix the karela with keema: Once the keema is well-cooked, add the sautéed karela to the mixture and stir everything together.
2. Simmer: Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the karela to absorb the flavors from the keema masala and enhances the taste of the dish.
3. Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked mixture for a final burst of flavor. Stir gently and remove from heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Add freshly chopped coriander leaves for a refreshing touch.
2. Serving suggestions: Serve your Punjabi-style Special Karela Keema hot with roti, naan, or steamed basmati rice. Pairing it with raita or a fresh salad completes the meal.

Tips for the Perfect Karela Keema

1. Balancing bitterness: Soaking the karela in salt before cooking helps reduce bitterness, but if you prefer a more authentic taste, you can skip this step.
2. Adding a tangy twist: Some people like adding a teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder) for a hint of tanginess to complement the flavors of the dish.
3. Health benefits: Karela is known for its health benefits, including regulating blood sugar levels and improving digestion, making this dish not only delicious but nutritious as well.

Conclusion

This Punjabi-style Karela Keema is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, bringing the goodness of karela and the richness of minced meat together in a hearty, satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking to try something new or want a traditional comfort food with a twist, this recipe is sure to please.