Starters, Salads, Soups

Bitter Gourd Salad

Name: Bitter Gourd Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium carrot (cut into diamonds or cubes); 1 bitter gourd (cut into 1/4 inch thick slices); 1 apple (diced); 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika powder; 1 teaspoon coconut butter or oil; 1/2 lemon juice; Salt to taste (original: Salt to taste); A dash of freshly ground black pepper (original: A dash of freshly ground black pepper)

By Dada Shivananda

Bitter gourd or bitter melon might be unpopular because of its bitter taste, but beneath it lies a treasure of nutrients beneficial for the body. In Ayurvedic medicine, bitter gourd is used to prevent diabetes as it contains naturally produced insulin in its white, soft part, acting as a hypoglycemic agent to lower blood sugar levels. Regular consumption can also aid in relieving constipation and indigestion.

Many people still avoid bitter gourd because of its strong bitter flavor. However, when cooked correctly, it becomes not only delicious but also very healthy. The sweetness of carrots and apples balances the gourd’s natural bitterness, making this salad a spicy, fresh, crunchy, and mildly bitter starter ideal for boosting health.

You can also enjoy this recipe with some Coriander Pesto on the side.

A nutritious bitter gourd salad that balances the natural bitterness of the gourd with the sweetness of carrots and apples, enhanced with warming spices for a healthy starter.

Prep Time5 min

Cook Time15 min

Total Time20 min

Servings3