Karele Ki Kalonji (Bitter Gourd)

Did you know that bitter gourd or karela is not really a vegetable but a fruit? The part of the plant that is used for consumption and for various medicinal purposes is the fruit of the bitter squash.

Ingredients :

Karela – 7 medium size
Roasted Peanuts – 3 tsp
Roasted Panch Phoron – 3 tsp
Chopped Onion – 1 medium size
Garlic cloves – 8-10
Lime juice – 1 full lemon
Garam Masala- 3 tsp
Mustard oil – 5 – 6 Tbsp for shallow fry
Salt to taste

Preparation Methods:

1. Wash and scrapes the karela (bitter gourd), slit length wise and deseed them.
2. In a blender grind roasted Peanuts and Panch Phoron.
3. Add onion and garlic, and grind it until its becomes nice smooth paste.
   

   If not able to grind you can use 2 -3 tsp of mustard oil

4. Take out the mixture in a bowl. Now add 3 tsp of  garam masala, salt and lime juice. Mix well.
5. Now stuff the karela with mixture.
6. Heat oil in a Kadhai. when oil gets heated put the stuffed karela in the kadhai.
7. Spread the remaining masala over the karela and cover the lid. Let it cook.
8. Keep turning the sides occasionally, so they can cook from all the sides.
   

   It will take a minimum 10-12 minutes to cook properly

9. Cook until they are golden brown.
10. Serve Hot with Dal and Rice.