Bittergourd is a vegetable which gets its
name by its bitter taste. The taste of this wonderful vegetable may be bitter
but its healthy benefits are good.
It is also called as bittermelon or bitter
squash. Bittermelon originated in India and it was carried to china in the 14 th
century.
Usually it is used to make stir fry , puli
kulambu and pitlai.
Bittergourd has anticancer, antihelmetic (Gastrointestinal
) , antimalarial , antiviral , cardioprotective properties. It is a excellent
vegetable for diabetic patients, a substance lectin found in this has insulin
like activity. Another substance called charantin which has hypoglyceamic
effects.
.
Requirements :
Bittergourd – 2 large
Chilli powder – 1 tbs
Salt as required
Rice flour – ½ cup
Besan flour – ½ cup
Maida – 2 tbs
Corn flour – 2 tbs
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Ginger garlic paste – ¼ tsp
Oil for frying
Method :
Wash and chop the bittergourd
into thin round slices.
In a bowl , add the sliced
bittergourd , rice flour , cornflour, besan flour , maida , chilli powder ,
salt and ginger garlic paste . Mix well so that the flour mixture coats on the
bittergourd.
Sprinkle little water and
mix well.
Heat the oil in a kadai.
Reduce the heat to medium
and deep fry in the hot oil.
Fry till golden brown.
Bittergourd chips is ready
to serve.
Chips will be with a mild
bitter taste.
Note :
To get rid of bitter taste –
soak the chopped bittergourd pieces in salt water for ten minutes , then use as
desired.
Jaggery can be added in a smaller
quatity.
