Steam fried karela

Bitter gourd is an acquired taste. If you haven't grown up eating it, it takes some getting used to. This recipe is probably a good way to introduce your taste bud to this very bitter vegetable as the onions and garlic lend a slight sweetness to it. You can also add some tomatoes.Serve it with steamed rice, dhal, plain yoghurt and a sweet chutney.

Ingredients

• • 2 large bitter gourds

  • 1 tbsp oil

  • 1/4 tsp mustard seeds

  • 1/4 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 stalk curry leaf, leaves picked

  • 6 cloves garlic, sliced

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric

  • 1 tsp curry powder

  • 1 fresh chilli or to taste

  • Salt to taste

Method

• 1. Peel the bitter gourds and cut in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds by scraping with a spoon or your fingers. Wash and dry. Slice thinly.

  2. Heat oil. Add the mustard and cumin seeds and when they pop, add the onion, garlic and curry leaves, salt, chilli and spices. Stir for about a minute and add the bitter gourd. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

  3. Cover and cook over a very moderately low heat until the bitter gourd is cooked - about 10-15 minutes. Bitter gourd should be soft, not crunchy.

  4. Turn heat to high and stir fry until the bitter gourd starts to caramelise. Remove from heat.

Notes: If the bitter gourds are young with tender seeds, you don't need to remove the seeds as they are edible.