Bitter Melon Recipe

[Kenz]

Something healthy for today!

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or karela, is a unique vegetable with a distinct bitter taste. Here's a simple and tasty recipe for stir-fried bitter melon with spices:

Ingredients:​

• 2 medium-sized bitter melons
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green chili, chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Bitter Melon:
   • Wash the bitter melons thoroughly. Cut them lengthwise and remove the seeds and pith. Slice them thinly into half-moon shapes. You can also soak the sliced bitter melon in salted water for 15-20 minutes to reduce bitterness, then drain and rinse them well before cooking.
2. Heat Oil and Add Cumin Seeds:
   • Heat oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Saute Onions, Garlic, and Green Chili:
   • Add sliced onions to the pan. Saute until they turn translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped green chili (if using) and saute for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Spices:
   • Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onions and garlic.
5. Cook Bitter Melon:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced bitter melon to the pan. Stir-fry for 8-10 minutes or until the bitter melon slices are tender yet still retain a slight crunch. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust salt and spiciness according to your preference. You can add a pinch of sugar if you prefer to balance the bitterness.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the stir-fried bitter melon to a serving dish. Serve hot as a side dish with rice or roti.

Tips:​

• Reducing Bitterness: Soaking bitter melon in salted water helps reduce its bitterness. Make sure to rinse well after soaking.
• Variations: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes for added flavor and color.
• Garnish: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving for a fresh touch.

Enjoy this stir-fried bitter melon dish as part of a balanced meal!

 

[lomiloml]

I tried this bitter melon recipe last night, and it was surprisingly delicious! The bitterness balances perfectly with the other flavors. If you haven't tried it yet, you definitely should—can't wait to try it again!