Stuffed bitter gourd

Hello bitter gourd again! 

The smaller bitter gourds are a lot less bitter and make very good sabzi.

Recipe

Ingredients

Karela - small ones - 10

Peanuts - 1/4 cup

Onions - 2 large finely chopped

Tomatoes - 2 medium finely chopped

Salt - to taste

Chilli powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp 

Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp 

Turmeric powder - /14 tsp

Curry leaves - 5-8

Oil - 1 tbsp + 3-4 tbsp

Water as needed

Method

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the peanuts and roast them slightly. Add the onions and fry until golden brown. Add the tomatoes until mushy and soft. Add the spices and fry until the raw smell is gone. Allow the mixture the cool.

In the meanwhile prepare the bittergourd. Wash and make a slit lenghtwise, remove the seeds and the rind from inside and hollow it out. Keep aside.

Grind the fried masala into a fine paste. Use a teaspoon and stuff the masala into the hollowed out bittergourd and keep aside. Keep the remaining paste aside for the gravy 

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed vessel. Add the curry leaves and stuffed karelas and fry until soft and cooked. A little masala may ooze out, but that is fine. 

Once the karelas are completey cooked, add the remaining masala paste and add water as per the consistency needed. Bring to a boil and switch off. 

Serve hot with rotis or rice. 

Verdict The combination of spices and the creaminess of the peanuts, gives a rich texture and taste to this gravy. A definite win.