vegetable

Bitter gourd

Karela

Measured by weight; no count conversion needed.

Nothing truly replaces bitter gourd's bitterness; courgette is only a texture-friendly closest option.

• 
  Small bitter gourd

  Use the same weight; it is the same vegetable, usually a little milder. Scrape out the seeds and salt if needed.

• 
  Courgette

  Use the same weight; it gives no bitterness and more water, so salt and drain it briefly before cooking.

• 
  Ridge gourd

  Use the same weight; it is soft and mild, so the dish loses the bitter note entirely.

Bharwan Karele

Slow-cooked Stuffed Bitter Gourds

Bhuni Mungphali

Dry-fried Bitter Gourds

Chooran ke Karele

Tangy Deep-fried Bitter Gourds

Koorina Kakarkaya

Stuffed Bitter Gourds in Mustard Sauce

Malabar Isthu with Pumpkin, Bitter Gourd & Cauliflower

Pavakka Theeyal

Bitter Gourd Curry with Fried Coconut

Punjabi Khatte Karele

Bitter Gourd with Jaggery, Fennel Seeds and Tamarind

Shukto

Mixed Vegetables with Bitter Gourd