Monday, December 08, 2008

Stuffed bitter melon (Karela)

Ingredients

Karela(bitter melon/gourd): 1 Ib

Select medium-sized ones.

Salt: 1 tsp

Stuffing

Cooking oil: 1 tsp

Onions:2

Garlic cloves:4

Fresh ginger:1 piece

Cumin powder: 1 tsp

Coriander powder: 1 tsp

Turmeric powder: half a tsp

Salt: half a tsp or to taste

Amchoor(mango powder): 1 tsp

Water: 1 tbsp

Cooking /Frying

Thread to wrap and tie up the bitter

Gourd

Cooking oil:quarter cup

Water: 2 tbsp

Method:

Step1 to prepare the karela, wash it well and scrape off the skin with a knife. Cut a slit vertically into the belly of the karela. Rub the skin and the insides with salt. Set aside for 20 minutes. During this time the stuffing may be prepared. After 20 minutes, you will see lots of water as a result of salting. Squeeze out as much water as possible. To control salt, wash rinse, squeeze out water and pat the karela dry.

Step2 To make the stuffing first the vegetables must be prepared. Chop the onions finely, about the size of cooked rice with a knife or a grater. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Peel and chop the ginger finely. In a heavy pan, heat cooking oil. Add onions and salt. Sauté till onions are transparent. Add garlic and ginger stir well. Add cumin, coriander turmeric powder and amchoor. Stir well. Sauté for about two minutes. Add water and sauté another two minutes. Turn off the heat.

Step3: to cook/fry the karela first fill the belly of the karela with the stuffing. Wrap karela with thread so that the stuffing does not fall out. Ina heavy bottomed pan, put cooking oil, water and stuffed karela. Turn on the heat. As soon as the steam starts to build, cover the pan with the lid, and turn the heat to medium low and cook for about four minutes. Turn over the karela, cover and cook for another four minutes.


No comments: