Bitter
melon/Bitter gourd/Bitter squash/Pagarkai/Karela is an extremely bitter
vegetable with numerous health benefits. This edible fruit widely grows in
tropical places like Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Bitter gourd is loaded
with vitamin B complex, folate, zinc, phosphorous and is an excellent source of
fibre. It is rich in iron, contains high levels of beta-carotene, calcium and
potassium. It has insulin like compound known as polypeptide P which has been
suggested as insulin replacement in some diabetic patients (info from various
websites). Though I was not a great fan
of Bitter gourd when I was a kid, things have changed a lot and I like to eat
it once in a while because of its health benefits. But to my surprise my elder
daughter loves bitter gourd in any form – touch wood for the same. This
pagarkai poriyal is delectable and a perfect side dish for any meal of a day.
Here’s
how to make Pagarkai Poriyal with step by step photos…