Karela Gajar

The bitter gourd is offcourse bitter in taste as the name suggests. But a lot of folks (including the author of this blog) do not like it for its bitterness and want it to taste different. I mean cummon! Really? 

This recipe is an attempt of mine towards making this vegetable a little more interesting. 

Preparation time : 15 mins

Cooking time         : 45 mins

Serves                        : 4-5

Ingredients:

• Bitter Gourd(Karela)  - 3 medium sized
• Carrot(Gajar)               - 2 medium sized
• Onion                            - 1 medium, chopped
• Tomato                          - 1 big, chopped
• Green chilli                   - 3-4, chopped
• Coriander chopped     - 2 Tbsp
• Coriander powder       - 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder        - 1/2 tsp
• Red chilli powder        - 1 tsp
• Cumin powder             - 1/2 tsp
• Fennel powder             - 1/2 tsp
• Whole Cumin               - 1/2 tsp
• Amchur powder           - 1 tsp
• Salt                                 - As per taste
• Oil                                  - 1 Tbsp + 2 tsp
• Asafoetida(Hing)        - A pinch

Method:
1. Cut the karela into halves. Clean and remove the seeds. Then cut them into thin slices in a semi circular shape. Soak them in salted water for 15 minutes. 
2. Peel the carrots. Cut into halves. Then cut into slices of semicircular shape.

3. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a pan. Add karela. Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt and mix. Fry the karela till they are cooked. Remove from oil and keep aside.

4. Heat the remaining oil in pan. Temper with whole cumin and hing. Add chopped onion and green chilli. Cook till onions turn translucent.
5. Add chopped tomato. Cook till tomato turns mushy.

6. Add carrot slices and mix well. Cover and cook till carrots are bit tender.
7. Add the fried karela. Add all powder spices(turmeric, red chilli, coriander, cumin, fennel) and mix well. Cook for another minute.
8. Add 3 Tbsp water and salt and give a good stir. Cover and cook till everything is cooked and blended well. 
9. Sprinkle the amchur powder. Mix well and remove from stove.

10. Serve hot with roti or rice.