Stuffed bitter melon curry is a delicious and savory Indian dish made with bitter melon (karela) stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spices and cooked in a tangy tomato-based gravy. A step-by-step guide on how to make stuffed bitter melon curry:
Ingredients:
For Stuffed Bitter Melon:
- 4-6 bitter melons (karela)
- 2 tablespoons coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon amchur (dry mango powder)
- 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
- 2 tablespoons oil
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Bitter Melon:
1. Wash and Cut:
- Wash the bitter melons and cut them into halves lengthwise. Remove the seeds and pith using a spoon, leaving the outer skin intact.
2. Salt and Rest:
- Sprinkle some salt inside the bitter melon halves and keep them aside for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce the bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse them thoroughly with water and pat them dry.
3. Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a bowl, mix coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, amchur (dry mango powder), besan (gram flour), and oil to form a thick stuffing mixture.
4. Stuff the Bitter Melon:
- Stuff each bitter melon half with the prepared stuffing mixture, pressing it gently to ensure it sticks.
Cooking the Stuffed Bitter Melon:
5. Sear the Bitter Melon:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Place the stuffed bitter melon halves in the hot oil and sear them on all sides until they are slightly browned. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Preparing the Gravy:
6. Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
7. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
8. Cook the Gravy:
- Continue to cook the tomato mixture until it becomes a thick and rich gravy.
9. Add Stuffed Bitter Melon:
- Carefully add the seared stuffed bitter melon halves to the gravy.
10. Simmer:
- Let the curry simmer for about 20-25 minutes, covering the pan with a lid. Occasionally, gently flip the bitter melon halves to ensure they cook evenly. Add water as needed to maintain the desired consistency.
11. Add Garam Masala:
- Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and stir it in.
12. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the stuffed bitter melon curry with chopped cilantro leaves (if desired).
13. Serve:
- Serve the stuffed bitter melon curry hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or naan.
Stuffed bitter melon curry is a unique and flavorful dish that balances the bitterness of the melon with the savory stuffing and tangy gravy. It's a wonderful addition to any Indian meal.