Meena's Taste Mantra

Khatta Meetha Karela - A sweet and tangy Bittergourd Veg

We love Karela in all forms in its truest bitter glory! So we normally do not try any method where the bitterness of karela is reduced either by peeling its rind | applying salt | boiling in hot water!

This Khatta Meetha Karela sabzi I came across while in Aurangabad in 2007. I was on a Project there and during lunch one of the Executive had brought homemade lunch for all of us. I fell in love with this and she was kind to share the recipe with me. The original recipe had ginger-garlic paste which we adjusted with finely chopped ginger. Amma made the addition of Jeera | Cumin in the tempering as it adds a special fragrance to the dish.

Amma made Pavakka Vattal recently and while making that she had kept aside 3 Karelas for making this dish! Since this requires the boiling of Karela and draining away the boiled water, we make it occasionally. Amma is the only one who attempts to drink the boiled Karela water, adding little bit of seasoning in it.

INGREDIENTS

3 Karela | Bittergourd

2 Onion, finely chopped

1 tblsp Oil

3/4 tsp Garam Masala Powder

1 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder

A lemon sized Imli | Tamarind's paste

1 tblsp Adrak | Ginger, finely chopped

1 tsp Jeera | Cumin Seeds

1 tsp Haldi | Turmeric Powder

3 tblsp Vellam | Gur | Jaggery, grated

To taste Salt

2 tblsp Fresh Dhania | Coriander Leaves, finely chopped

METHOD

Wash and dry Karela. Cut them into small roundels. Scoop the seeds. Add Karela to boiling water and cover cook for 15 to 20 minutes till they become tender. Drain and keep the Karela roundels aside.
In a kadhai, heat oil and add jeera.
As jeera crackles, add onion and cook till the onions become translucent.
Add adrak and saute for a minute.
Add haldi, red chilli powder, garam masala and cook for 2 minutes.
Add imli paste, jaggery and mix well.
Add boiled Karela roundels, mix and cook for 5 minutes.
Switch off flame.
Garnish with chopped dhania leaves.
Serve hot with any Roti | Rice.

We enjoyed this juicy and delicious Khatta Meetha Karela along with Jowar Bhakri.

About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.