If you don’t enjoy bitter gourd in its usual form, try these crispy Karela Tikkis that are both healthy and delicious. With the bitterness reduced and flavors enhanced, even bitter gourd skeptics will enjoy this unique dish.

• Bitter gourd – 2 large
• Grated paneer – ½ cup
• Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
• Green chillies – 2 (finely chopped)
• Ginger – 1-inch piece (grated)
• Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)
• Fresh coriander – ½ cup (finely chopped)
• Gram flour (besan) – 1 cup
• Amchur powder or chaat masala – 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Carom seeds (ajwain) – ½ tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – for frying

• Wash the bitter gourds well and grate them (use the outer part).
• Coarsely grind the grated karela in a mixer.
• Add 1 tsp salt to the mixture and let it rest for 30 minutes to reduce bitterness.

• Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and coriander.

• After 30 minutes, squeeze the bitter gourd mixture to remove excess water and bitterness.

• In a large bowl, combine the squeezed karela with grated paneer, chopped vegetables, and spices (chilli, turmeric, amchur/chaat masala, ajwain).
• Add gram flour and salt. Mix everything into a soft dough-like mixture.

• Take small portions and shape them into round or oval tikkis.
• Shallow or deep fry on medium flame until golden brown and crisp on both sides.

Serve hot with mint chutney or curd for a perfect snack or side dish.