A Sri Lankan Delight: Karawila Salad

Bitter gourd, or Karawila, often stirs mixed feelings in Sri Lanka. Its strong bitterness can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it becomes a refreshing and healthy dish. Karawila Salad, a traditional Sri Lankan side, blends bitterness with tangy, spicy, and savory flavors for a bold culinary experience.

Why Eat Bitter Gourd?

Bitter gourd offers more than just unique flavor. It’s rich in vitamins C and A, supports digestion, lowers blood sugar levels, and strengthens immunity. Many Sri Lankan households include it in their meals to cool the body and purify the system.

Sri Lankan Bitter Gourd Salad (Karawila Sambol)

Ingredients:

• 1 medium bitter gourd (karawila)

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 1–2 green chilies, sliced

• Juice of ½ lime

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)

• A handful of chopped tomatoes

• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bitter Gourd

Wash the bitter gourd thoroughly. Slice it in half, remove the seeds, and cut it into thin rounds.
Sprinkle salt and turmeric powder over the slices, then mix well. Let them rest for 10–15 minutes to reduce bitterness.
Squeeze out the released water and set the slices aside.

2. Fry the Bitter Gourd

Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, fry the slices until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a bowl, combine the fried bitter gourd with onions, green chilies, and chopped tomatoes.
Squeeze lime juice over the mix and add salt to taste. Toss everything well to blend the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve bitter gourd salad with rice and curry for a complete meal.
It goes especially well with dhal curry, pol sambol, and steamed rice.
You can also enjoy it with bread or roti as a light snack.

Tips to Reduce Bitterness

• Soak the sliced bitter gourd in salted water for 15 minutes before frying.

• Add a pinch of jaggery or sugar to mellow the flavor.

• Frying until crisp boosts both taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Karawila Salad shows how Sri Lankan cuisine transforms bold ingredients into delightful dishes. Despite its bitterness, this salad offers crunch, flavor, and health benefits. Give it a try—you might just grow to love it.

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