Category: How To Cook

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How to: Make Karela Gosht (Meat Curry with Bitter Gourd)
Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Bitter gourd, aka Karela In Urdu, is relished for its benefits and despised for its bitter taste – not many people like this veggie, but I die for it.

Benefits of Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Here are some Benefits of Mr. Bitter Gourd (Aka karela)

Bitter gourds have many nutritional and health benefits and one of them is they are good for diabetes. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folate, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.

As my Chronic illness forces me to transform eating habits, I’ m always on the hunt for natural antioxidants ingredients and Bitter Gourd (Karela) is one of them. I try to eat bitter gourd at least twice in a month because of its antioxidant benefits. It is very good for you, specially if you are diabetic. This reduces your blood sugar level a lot than you can imagine..So try to include it in your everyday diet.

Bitter Gourd aka ‘Karela’

The people who have never had bitter gourd, I still know what you all must be thinking.

Doesn’t it taste bitter??

How can one eat it??

Actually it is very much edible and likable. Truth is that there are numerous ways in which Bitter gourd is prepared in Pakistan. It can be stuffed with tasty spice mix, it tastes delicious when deep fried with mince stuffing( Bharwan Karela ), it can be used to make a dry curry and my mommy makes amazing curry of bitter gourd (Karela Gosht) which doesn’t taste bitter at all. It just depends how it is prepared. So at times it depends on which ingredients and technique you use and also on individual preferences.

Karela Gosht (Meat with Bitter Gourd)

Karela Gosht (Bitter gourd cooked with meat) is a traditional Pakistani dish. Yet, there are many Pakistani’s who flee from the very name of Karela. 😛

Today, I am presenting one of the tried recipes that gained appreciation among random people. Signature style of using minimum ingredients to make a mouth-watering dish is again used. I am using mutton meat in this recipe, but if you like you can use beef or chicken too.

Photo: ‘Karela Gosht'{Bitter Gourd Cooked with Meat and Saute Onion}

In my home, everyone loves bitter gourd and its diverse dishes. It tastes savory, tangy, wonderfully spicy and slightly bitter at the same time. Karela Gosht is my all time favourite. As I mention above, I make them quite often and each time they turn out great.(Alhumdulillah)!

Photo: Karela Gosht with Chapati

It tastes great with roti / hot chapati or with tandoori roti along with zeera raita.

Photo: Karela Gosht

How to make Karela Gosht

Learn how to make easy and simple Karela Gosht by following the step by step instructions as shown in pictures. The recipe is simple and very easy to follow. You would successfully cook it in first attempt. (InshaAllah)

Bismillah Let’s Begin!

Ingredients you will need:
- 1 kg bitter gourd/ karela (peeled, cleaned and sliced)
- 1 teaspoon salt, for sprinkling
- 750 gm mutton or lamb meat
- 1/2 cup cooking oil
- 4 medium onion, thinly sliced, (divided into two parts)
- 3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic bulb, peeled & minced
- 4 green chilies
- 2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder (all spice powder)
- salt to taste
- 4 cups water for meat tenderness
Step 1:

First wash bitter gourds thoroughly in cold running water. Now Scrape the outer peel of the bitter melon with a sharp peeler or paring knife to remove a thin layer of peel.

Peel or Scrape skin of bitter gourd (Karela)

Step: 2

Cut the bitter gourd in half length-wise. Slit from one side to remove seeds and fibrous core using a teaspoon or a paring knife.

Cut the bitter gourd and remove the seeds.

Step 3:

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt over the peeled bitter gourds, toss together to mix evenly and keep it in sunlight for an hour, it will help to reduce its bitterness.

Sprinkle Salt and keep it in sunlight

Step 4:

After one hour, You would see salt and sunlight is doing its magic and bitter gourd has started perspirating. Now rinse thoroughly with tap water and keep aside for 10 minutes in a strainer to dry access water.

Rinse thoroughly with tap water

Step 5:

Now take the bitter gourd and squeeze it in your hands, the juices will come out and try to remove as much bitter juice out of it as possible. Squeeze and Squeeze…. don’t give up!!!

Squeeze and Squeeze…. don’t give up!!!

Step 6:

Cut the bitter gourd into cubes, thin slices, rings or lengthwise. (any desired shape or sizes).

Cut into your desired shape

Step 7:

Heat some oil and fry the bitter gourd (in batches) on medium heat for few minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oil, drain and set aside.

Fry Bitter Gourd

Step 8:

Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute onion until transculant. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds or the garlic aroma to hit its peak.

Saute Onions and Ginger & Garlic

Step 9:

When onion starts getting golden add meat and cook on high flame until meat change its color and turned brown, continuously stir.

Brown the meat

Step 10:

Now add chopped tomatoes and spices (turmeric, red chili, coriander, etc). Stir and cook on low flame until tomatoes soften.

Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Step 11:

Add 4 cups of water. Heat to boiling, covered with a lid and simmer for 1 hour on low flame or until meat become tender and juicy.

Cook Covered on low flame

Step 12:

When meat gets cooked properly at this stage increase the flame and cook on high flame for 5 to 7 minutes or until oil comes on top and meat is tender fully. Now add leftover 2 onions and fried bitter gourd. Stir and cook on medium flame for 10-15 minutes or until onion turned caramelized and oil separates.

Add fried bitter gourd and onions

Step 13

Sprinkle garam masala and add green chillies and adjust seasoning to taste.. Its ready to serve. Take it out in a serving dish. Serve hot with Homemade Chapati or Roti.

Serve with garm garm (hot) chapati… ENJOY!

Tip to First timers: Tasting is important before the final dish is served so that you can adjust the flavour. ENJOY 🙂

Check it out the Karela Gosht (Meat with Bitter Gourd) recipe and printable version below.

Do try the recipe, and let me know how you find bitter gourd. Also there are many varieties and I will keep posting new recipes of bitter gourd in future. Till then see ya all!!!

Put your own spin on it. And lemme know how it turns out. Post a photo on Facebook (Recipestable) or on Twitter so I can see how lovely yours turn out.

Happy Cooking!!

If you like this post, Please Subscribe to my blog and let me know your feedback by commenting below.. I have lots more recipes to share with you.
August 9, 2016
Super Crispy French Fries Pakora Recipe

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French Fries Pakora

Here is a Pakistani twist on the everyday french fries. Super simple to make and very tasty and crispy. You can eat them any time with cold drinks or tea. Would go great with a veggie burger or any type of burger. Or even just as a snack.

It’s a perfect recipe for a quick and easy desi snack, consider making a spicy potato chips please guests who love spicy foods. delicious!!! I serve it with Homemade Tomato Ketchup. You can serve with any kind of dip or sauce you want.

Photo: French Fries Pakora Recipe

You should always use old potatoes to make french fries. New ones are moist and are extremely raw, that do not make french fries crispy.

Step by Step ~ French Fries Pakora Recipe

Step 1 ~ First Peel the potatoes with the help of a peeler and wash them.

Step 1 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 2 ~ Now cut them into long pieces. You can use french fries cutter that can be easily bought from the market also. You will be able to cut the pieces quickly and in equal shapes.

Step 2 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 3 ~ In a large bowl, add potatoes, chickpea flour, rice flour and cornflour. Season with salt, chili powder, cumin and garlic powder.

Step 3 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 4 ~ Add little water and mix well to coat evenly.

Step 4 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 5 ~ Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

Step 5 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 6 ~ Put the french fries pakora into it to fry. Make sure that the oil is not extremely heated.

Step 6 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 7 ~ Fry them till they turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 7 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 8 ~ Remove on a kitchen paper to drain excess oil.

Step 8 ~ French Fries Pakora

Step 9 ~ sprinkle chaat masala over them. Delicious French Fries Pakoras are ready serve. ENJOYY!!

Step 9 ~ French Fries Pakora

Check it out the French Fries Pakora recipe and printable version below!!

If you like French Fries Pakora Recipe and make it then let me know your feedback by commenting below.

July 11, 2015
Crispy & Delicious: The Perfect Egg Paratha Recipe (Everyone Will Love!)

Egg Paratha

There is no limit to stuffed paratha. You can stuff the parathas with almost anything, but I’m sure you have never tried boiled eggs stuffed parathas before.Great recipe for Suhoor!They taste simply superb.

Photo: How to make Egg Paratha

This Egg Paratha recipe is easy, simple and takes less time, especially if you have leftover wheat dough.It’s protein rich, healthy and tasty. You can make it for your kids as a after school snack.

Photo: Egg Paratha Recipe

How to make Egg Paratha

Learn how to make egg Paratha by following the step by step instructions as shown in pictures. The recipe is simple and very easy to follow. You would successfully cook it in first attempt. (InshaAllah)

Bismillah Let’s Begin!

Step 1 : Mix the wheat flour with salt, water and knead to a smooth dough. Keep it aside for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Then make small balls from the dough and keep it aside.

Step 3: Take a mixing bowl, add mashed eggs add salt, pepper, chili powder, coriander and little bit of oil. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3 ~ Egg Paratha

Step 4:Take the dough balls and roll out each ball into a thin disc or a chapati.

Step 4 ~ Egg Paratha

Step 5:In the middle, place the filling mixture on one round chapati and cover with a another round chapati and seal the edges.

Step 5 ~ Egg Paratha

Step 6:Now sprinkle a little dry flour on top, then roll the paratha to a thin round shape chapati. Take care it should not break while rolling it out.

Step 6 ~ Egg Paratha

Step 7:Grease your tava OR griddle with Ghee (clarified butter) and place the paratha over it and when the base turns slightly golden color, apply Ghee (clarified butter) on the top and turn the paratha on the other side.

Step 7 ~ Egg Paratha

Step 8:Fry these parathas on both sides, pressing gently and keep turning the paratha until it turns golden brown.

Step 8 ~ Egg Paratha

Check it out the Egg Paratha recipe and printable version below:

If you like this Egg Paratha Recipe, Please Subscribe to my blog. I have lots more recipes to share with you. And If you make it then let me know your feedback by commenting below.

June 20, 2015
Super Easy Rainbow Bread Rolls Recipe
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Rainbow Bread Rolls

Bread rolls is one of the favourite Ramadan recipes. There are several recipes of bread rolls different from each other. One recipe is listed below with a distinct taste made with chicken, green chutney and tomato ketchup filling. Thrice coloured Bread Rolls.

Photo: Rainbow Bread Rolls Recipe

All those who are new to cooking and desire to attempt something easy and unproblematic yet lip-smacking then they should go for this Rainbow Bread Rolls recipe. It can be a perfect addition to your Iftar meal and can be less expensive and better tasting than other bread rolls. Rainbow bread rolls take bit more time, but they add a special touch.

Photo: Rainbow Bread Rolls Recipe

Try these scrumptious Rainbow bread rolls, they are great, you can enjoy it as an evening snack or can be prepared on birthday parties, ramadan etc..

Photo: Rainbow Bread Rolls Recipe

Here is the Step by Step Rainbow Bread Rolls Recipe !!

For Rainbow Bread Rolls
- 6 bread slices
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 3 tsp butter
- 3 tsp green chutney
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- oil for deep frying
For Chicken Filling
- 1 cup boiled shredded chicken
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- salt to taste
To Make Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine together the chicken, mayonnaise, soy sauce, chili garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 1 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 2

Remove crust from the bread slices.

Step 2 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 3

Slightly roll bread slices with a rolling pin.

Step 3 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 4

Spread half teaspoon butter on the each bread slices. Place 1 tbsp chicken mixture at the one corner of bread slices.

Step 4 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 5

Put 1/2 teaspoon green chutney over it.

Step 5 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 6

Apply tomato ketchup on the second corner as shown in the picture.

Step 6 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 7

Roll Like Swiss rolls. Carefully seal edges with wet hands. Dip bread rolls in egg.

Step 7 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 8

Then coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 8~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 9

Repeat this method with remaining ingredients.

Step 9~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 10

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry bread rolls on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden.

Step 10 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls

Step 11

Remove from the oil and drain on an absorbent paper. Rainbow Bread Rolls are ready to serve. ENJOY!!

Step 11 ~ Rainbow Bread Rolls
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Print Pin

Rainbow Bread Rolls Recipe

Author Bushra Waheed

Ingredients
For Rainbow Bread Rolls
6 bread slices
2 eggs lightly beaten
3 tbsp tomato ketchup
3 tsp butter
3 tsp green chutney
1/2 cup bread crumbs
oil for deep frying
For Chicken Filling
1 cup boiled shredded chicken
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper
salt to taste

Instructions
To Make Chicken Filling:
In a large bowl, combine together the chicken, mayonnaise, soy sauce, chili garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.
To Make Rainbow Bread Rolls:
Remove crust from the bread slices. Slightly roll bread slices with a rolling pin.
Put 1/2 teaspoon green chutney over it. Spread half teaspoon butter on the each bread slices. Place 1 tbsp chicken mixture at the one corner of bread slices.
Apply tomato ketchup on the second corner as shown in the picture.
Roll Like Swiss rolls. Carefully seal edges with wet hands. Dip bread rolls in egg. Then coat with breadcrumbs.
Repeat this method with remaining ingredients.
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry bread rolls on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden.
Remove from the oil and drain on an absorbent paper. Rainbow Bread Rolls are ready to serve. ENJOY!!
If you like Rainbow Bread Rolls Recipe and make it then let me know your feedback by commenting below.
June 1, 2015
Shimla Mirch Qeema (Mince with Capsicums)
Shimla Mirch Qeema is a famous Pakistani dish in which chicken mince cooked with capsicum _ a great combo. It’s pretty easy to make and tastes really good. This is my favorite way to cook qeema because I love the aroma and taste of capsicum. ♥♥♥
I love to eat shimla mirch qeema with rice but you can serve with both rice and chapatis. There are so many tasty options.

Photo: Shimla Mirch Qeema (Mince with capsicum)

Photo: Shimla Mirch qeema Recipe

Here is the step by step recipe for Shimla Mirch Qeema!!

To make Shimla Mirch Qeema you will need:
- 500 gm chicken mince ( qeema)
- 3 onions, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds, crushed
- 1 tsp mango powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- salt according to taste
- 3 capsicum, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, cut into cubes
Step 1: Begin by heating oil in a large pan or wok over medium high heat.

Step 2: Saute onion in oil and cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent.

Step 3: Once they are nice and translucent, add ginger garlic paste and cumin seeds.

Step 4: When sauteing garlic, be very careful not to burn it. (I love the aroma of cooked garlic♥♥♥).

Step 5: When it starts changing its color, add tomatoes.

Step 6: Now add mango powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper corn , cloves and salt.

Step 7: Cover with w lid and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the tomatoes lose their stiffness(you can add some water if you need to in between).

Step 8: Add chicken mince; cook and stir until well combined.

Step 9: Break mince meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Step 10 :Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes or until qeema is done.

Step 11: Now add capsicum and cubed onion ; stir fry for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Cook until the oil comes on top.

Step 12: Take it out into a serving dish. Shimla mirch qeema is ready. Serve hot with chapati or rice.

Enjoy and Good luck 🙂

Please review and tell me what I could do to make it better!!
May 23, 2013