KEEMA BHARE KARELAY (BITTER MELON STUFFED WITH MINCED CHICKEN)
The intoxicating bitterness of karelay (also known as bitter melon or bitter gourd), is either loved or hated. This divisive vegetable needs a bit of coaxing to truly shine, and, in this recipe, marinating the peeled and cored melon in salt draws out the lion's share of its bitterness. The result is a delicately pungent flavor perfectly suited to the vegetable's texture. There are two varieties of bitter melon: This recipe, a common preparation in Pakistan and north India, calls for the South Asian type (often labeled "Indian"), which is a darker green and has more pronounced ridges and tapered tips than the Chinese variety. The melons are stuffed with a ground chicken filling that comes together quickly and can be prepared up to two days ahead. Though this dish is rewarding for those who already have a taste for bitter foods, its adaptability makes it the perfect gateway for cultivating one.
Provided by Zainab Shah
Categories dinner, meat, vegetables, main course
Time 50m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Make a slit along the length of each melon, leaving about an inch intact on the ends. Remove the seeds and discard (see Tip 1). Rub 2 teaspoons of salt evenly on the surfaces and insides of the melons. Set aside for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the stuffing (see Tip 2).
- In a medium pot heat 1/4 cup mustard oil for 30 seconds. Add onion, ginger and garlic, and cook on medium for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant.
- Add chicken and remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and cook on high, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, and some bits of the minced chicken start to crisp, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium and add cumin, coriander, chile powder and turmeric. Stir and continue cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add 1/4 cup water and chopped tomato. Cook on high, stirring occasionally until the oil starts to separate, about 5 minutes. Stir in green chiles and lemon juice. Turn off the heat. (The stuffing can be made up to 2 days ahead and brought to room temperature before assembly.)
- Squeeze and drain the reserved salted melon. Thoroughly rinse the inside and outside with cold water. Pat dry. (The drier the melon, the easier it will be to fry.)
- In a frying pan large enough to comfortably fit the five stuffed melons in a single layer, add the remaining 3/4 cup mustard oil and heat for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Gently place the melons into the pan and shallow fry on medium until the bottom and sides are deep golden brown, but mostly brown, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Place the melons on a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Remove the paper towel. Using a teaspoon, stuff the melons with the stuffing. Serve with the rest of the prepared stuffing and roti, store-bought pita or by itself.
KARELA (BITTER MELON OR GOURD)
As the name suggests, karela are bitter but are known to have therapeutic value, especially for those suffering from diabetes. When tomatoes and other vegetables are mixed with it, the bitterness is reduced. Traditionally people first scrape karela and remove the hard skin. Then they rub salt in them and let them rest for about 1 hour. Then they squeeze out bitter water before using. Karela can be used with any meal or in a sandwich or pita bread. You may prepare them in advance, and refrigerate or freeze them. Or you may freeze uncooked karela. Buy them fresh, when in season, and rinse, trim, and cut them before freezing.
Provided by kusum gupta
Categories Melons
Time 30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Rinse bitter melon.
- Trim on both ends as needed and scrape any blemishes or hard skin.
- Cut into small rounds.
- Heat the oil in a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add karela almost in a single layer; stir and cook until brownish.
- Reduce the heat if they tend to burn.
- Add the onions, potatoes and all the seasonings; stir until the potatoes are cooked.
- Add the tomatoes.
- Cook slowly on medium low heat, half covered, stirring as needed, until everything is cooked.
- Variation: To make STUFFED KARELA: Mix all the seasonings for stuffing, substituting 1 teaspoon cumin powder for cumin seeds.
- Using a paring knife, make a long slit in each karela, from one end to another (leaving two ends and bottom of the pod intact).
- Keep the slit open with your thumb and use a spoon to fill the opening with the stuffing.
- Stuff all the karela this way.
- Cook karela in a wide skillet using 2 tablespoons oil, almost in a single layer, on medium heat.
- Stir gently so that stuffing does not come out.
- When half cooked, add the onions.
- Reduce heat to medium low, cooking slowly, half covered or uncovered, until karela are browned.
KEEMA BHARE KARELA (STUFFED BITTER GOURD)
Bittergourd is a natural blood purifier and has numerous benefits. Try out this wonderful full recipe of stuffed bittergourd. Incredibly easy and simple and tasteful.
Provided by Hina Ali
Categories Vegetable
Time 45m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Scrape the bitter-gourds and give a slit each lengthwise. Remove the seeds.
- Apply salt properly outside and inside the bitter-gourd. Keep aside for ½ an hour.
- Then rinse and remove as much water as possible. Take a pan, put water with 1 tbsp of tamarind, and heat it up until it evaporates, then add bitter gourds and boil for 5 minutes.
- Then drain and heat some oil and fry the bitter gourds for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Now add the onions to the pan and again fry to a golden brown, then add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander, red chilli powder, cumin powder and salt to the same oil and sauté for a few minutes before adding the tomato.
- Now add the chopped tomatoes and a little water. Cook covered until tomatoes are just about done.
- Then add mince, fry and cook with some water until done. Then add green chillies, tamarind pulp, fresh coriander and garam masala powder and mix well.
- Now stuff the bitter-gourds with this stuffing. Tie each bitter-gourd with thread properly.
- Now arrange stuffed bitter gourd in remaining mince and add ¼ cup of water and cook on very low heat for 5 minutes.
- Serve with chopped fresh coriander.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 845.9, Fat 70.6, SaturatedFat 17.6, Cholesterol 118.3, Sodium 156.9, Carbohydrate 23.4, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 14, Protein 32.1
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