Veggie Foodie

Karela stuffed

Ingredients:

• 6 medium sized bitter melon (Karela)
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 cup roasted peanuts, ground
• 2 tsp garlic paste

Spices, etc:

• 1 tsp fenugreek (methi) seeds
• 1 tsp black jeera (Shahijeera)
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp mustard powder
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tsp amchoor powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 3 tbsp oil

Method:

1. Grate the karelas to remove bumps on the skin and slit them vertically
2. Boil the karelas in water for 2-3 minutes (not any longer!)
3. Once the karelas have cooled down, squeeze all the water out
4. If the centers of the karela is tender (seeds not too hard), scoop and keep aside
5. In a vessel, add 1 tbsp oil and heat it on high heat
6. Add fenugreek seeds and black jeera and before they turn dark, add onions and fry them till brown (3-4 minutes)
7. Add all the remaining spices and karelas’ scooped centers and cook the stuffing on medium heat till dark brown (4-5 minutes)
8. Once the stuffing has cooled down, stuff the karelas with it
9. Coat the stuffed karelas with the oil and put them on baking plate / foil
10. Bake the stuffed karelas at 425 degree Fahrenheit till they become dark brown, turning them once if necessary
11. Serve them hot with chapatti and daal-chawal

Serves: 3