Crispy Baked Karela Chips with Spices
Discover the bold and intriguing flavors of bitter melon with this delightful and guilt-free recipe for Crispy Baked Karela Chips. Inspired by a traditional dry curry I once enjoyed at a local Indian vegetarian lunch counter, these sliced bitter melons are seasoned to perfection and transformed into a crunchy snack or side dish that packs a punch. The unique bitterness of the karela is balanced with a blend of spices, making it an adventure for your palate. Healthy and easy to prepare, these chips are perfect as an accompaniment to your meals or as a savory snack. Give them a try, but be prepared for the distinct taste of bitter melon!
4-6
Servings
25
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bitter melons
2 (Washed and sliced into thin rounds)
Oil
2-3 tablespoons (Used for greasing and tossing)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Red chili powder
1/2 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the bitter melons and slice them into thin, round slices using a mandolin slicer for even results.
3
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced bitter melons with salt, turmeric, and red chili powder. Let them marinate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor, squeezing out any excess moisture afterward.
4
Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with approximately 1 tablespoon of oil.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the marinated bitter melon slices with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, ensuring they are well-coated.
6
Spread the coated bitter melon slices evenly on the prepared baking tray in a single layer.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes. Afterward, switch to broil and leave the chips under the broiler for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Adjust the time according to your oven's performance until they are crispy and golden.
8
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and enjoy these flavorful karela chips!
Nutrition Information
1.67g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
0.83g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karela?
Karela is the Indian name for bitter melon, a vegetable known for its unique bitter flavor used in this recipe.
How many calories are in the Crispy Baked Karela Chips?
There are approximately 25 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the bitter melons need to marinate?
The sliced bitter melons should marinate with salt, turmeric, and chili powder for 30 minutes.
What is the purpose of squeezing the bitter melon after marinating?
Squeezing out excess moisture helps enhance the flavor and ensures the chips become crispy when baked.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The spices used are salt, turmeric, and red chili powder.
How much oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of oil in total for greasing the tray and tossing the slices.
How should I slice the bitter melons?
It is recommended to use a mandolin slicer to get even, thin round slices.
How long do the chips bake in the oven?
The chips bake for 5-7 minutes before being switched to the broiler.
Do I need to broil the chips?
Yes, broiling for 5-7 minutes after baking helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4-6 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 1.67g of fat.
How much fiber is in these chips?
There is approximately 0.83g of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content?
There is 0.5g of protein per serving.
How many bitter melons do I need?
The recipe requires 2 bitter melons.
What type of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is inspired by Indian cuisine.
Can I eat these as a snack?
Yes, they are perfect as a savory snack or a side dish for meals.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a traditional dry curry from a local Indian vegetarian lunch counter.
How much red chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of red chili powder.
How much turmeric is needed?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric for seasoning.
Should I line the baking tray?
Yes, line the tray with aluminum foil and grease it lightly with oil.
What is the best way to arrange the slices on the tray?
Spread them evenly in a single layer to ensure they cook uniformly.
How do I prevent the chips from burning?
Watch them closely while they are under the broiler, as oven times can vary.
What is the texture of these chips?
When prepared correctly, the chips are crispy and crunchy.
Do I need to wash the melons first?
Yes, you should thoroughly wash the bitter melons before slicing them.
Is the bitterness of the melon removed?
The bitterness is balanced by the spices and the baking process, though the distinct flavor remains.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 5 main ingredients: bitter melons, oil, salt, red chili powder, and turmeric.