Masaledar Karele

Ingredients
3 karele (bitter gourd) 2 green chillies1/2 tsp. ginger grated1/2 tomato chopped4-5 tamarind pieces inch long1 stalk curry leaves2-3 sprigs coriander chopped1/2 tsp. each mustard & cumin seeds1 tbsp. molasses or sugar1 1/2 tsp. red chilli powder1 tsp. dhania powder1/4 tsp. turmeric powder1/4 tsp. garam masala2-3 pinches asafoetidasalt to taste1 tbsp. oilSour buttermilk to soak karele
Method
Slice bitter gourd into thin discs.
Soak in sour buttermilk for 4-5 hours.
Drain, wash, sprinkle liberally with salt.
Keep aside for 1 hour. Rub slices well with hand, wash and drain.
Boil in water till soft to touch, drain, wash again, drain, keep aside.
Heat oil in a heavy pan, add seeds, asafoetida, allow to splutter.
Add curry leaves, ginger, tomato, chillies, tamarinds pieces. Stir.
Mix all dry masalas in 1/2 cup water to form a paste, add to pan.
Cook till oil separates, add karele slices. Stir, add molasses.
Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander.
Serve hot or cold with chappatis.
Note: This method for soaking and salting of bittergourd for any recipe, removes most of the bitter taste of the gourd.

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