Uchhe Bhaja
A classic Bengali side dish where thinly sliced bitter gourd is fried to a perfect crisp. Its distinct bitter flavor is a beloved part of a traditional Bengali meal, often served with dal and rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the bitter gourd
- b.Wash the bitter gourds well under running water.
- c.Trim both ends and slice them into thin, even rounds, about 2-3 mm thick.
- 2
In a bowl, toss the sliced bitter gourd with salt and turmeric powder
- a.Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps draw out some moisture and allows the seasonings to penetrate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the bitter gourd
- b.Heat mustard oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat until it's slightly smoking.
- c.Carefully add the marinated bitter gourd slices to the hot oil. Spread them in a single layer for even frying.
- d.Fry on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes, or until the slices are golden brown and crispy.
- e.If using sugar, sprinkle it over the top in the last minute of cooking and mix well.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Remove the fried uchhe from the pan using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain. Serve hot as a side with rice and dal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slicing the bitter gourd as thinly as possible is the key to getting a crispy texture.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to ensure each slice gets crispy.
- 3Cooking on low to medium heat ensures the uchhe cooks through and becomes crisp without burning.
- 4For a less bitter taste, you can marinate the slices in salt for 30 minutes, squeeze out the bitter juice, then rinse and pat dry before frying.
- 5Uchhe Bhaja tastes best when served immediately, as it tends to lose its crispiness over time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Kid friendly
Add one medium potato, thinly sliced. Fry the potatoes until almost cooked, then add the bitter gourd and fry together until both are crisp. The potato adds a familiar, milder flavor.
quickQuick
To make it faster, use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin slices. You can also skip the 5-10 minute resting time after marination if you're short on time.
healthyHealthy
For a lower-oil version, toss the marinated slices with 1 tablespoon of oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crisp.