Author: Puja Patel, ALC

Healing with Bitter: Ayurvedic Bitter Melon (Karela) Recipes for Natural Blood Sugar Balance 

When it comes to managing blood sugar naturally, bitter melon (Karela) stands out as a time-tested superfood in Ayurvedic nutrition. 

 
Karela Sukha (Dry Bitter Melon) – Classic Diabetic Recipe 

Ingredients 

  • 2 bitter melons (thinly sliced) 

  • 1 tbsp mustard oil 

  • ½ tsp turmeric 

  • ½ tsp cumin seeds 

  • ½ tsp coriander powder 

  • Salt (rock salt preferred) 

Method 

  • Soak karela in salted water for 20–30 minutes; rinse and squeeze. 

  • Heat oil and add cumin seeds. 

  • Add karela and spices. 

  • Add salt to taste. 

  • Cook uncovered on low heat until crisp. 

Benefits: Bitter + light + dry = Kapha-reducing and glucose-balancing. 

Karela–Methi Stir Fry (Power Combo for Blood Sugar) 

Ingredients 

  • 1 bitter melon (sliced) 

  • 1 cup fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves 

  • 1 tsp ghee 

  • Turmeric, cumin, salt 

Method 

  • Sauté cumin in ghee. 

  • Add karela and cook for 5–7 minutes. 

  • Add methi, turmeric, and salt; cook until soft. 

Fenugreek is a top Ayurvedic anti-diabetic herb. 

Bitter Melon & Mung Dal (Low-Glycemic Curry) 

Ingredients 

  • ½ cup split yellow mung dal (soaked) 

  • 1 small bitter melon 

  • 1 tsp ghee 

  • Turmeric, cumin, fennel powder 

Method 

  • Cook mung dal until soft. 

  • In ghee, sauté cumin and karela. 

  • Add dal, spices, and water; simmer lightly. 

✔ Mung dal is tridoshic and low-glycemic. 

Karela Juic (Ras) – Therapeutic Use 

Use like medicine, not food. 

Ingredients 

  • ½ bitter melon 

  • Warm water 

  • A pinch of turmeric 

Method 

  • Blend karela with water. 

  • Strain and drink on an empty stomach, 2–3 times per week. 

⚠️ Do NOT use if: low blood sugar, pregnancy, weakness, or if on strong insulin (without medical guidance). 

Avoid the Following in Diabetic Karela Dishes 

  • Jaggery or sugar 

  • White rice accompaniments 

  • Deep frying 

Ayurvedic Serving Guidance 

  • Portion: ½–1 bitter melon per meal 

  • Best time: Lunch 

  • Combine with millet roti, barley, quinoa 

  • Avoid at night