Stuffed Karela

1.Take small sized 250 grams Bitter gourd. Wash it then dry them. Cut the ends of the bitter gourd then scrap them.

2.Slit the bitter gourd vertically, Make sure the lower end of the bitter gourd is intact.

3.Scrap out the pulp and the seeds from it with a knife. Scrap all the bitter gourds likewise.

4.Use ¾ tsp of salt to cover up the bitter gourd in and out. Use the rest of the salt and mix it with the scraped out pulp and seeds and keep it for 10 to 15 minutes until they perspirates , so that the bitterness goes away.

5.After 15 minutes, dip the bitter gourd in water and wash it well. Squeeze the extra water from it . Wash all the bitter gourds likewise. Then wash the scraping and the pulp too. Strain it through a strainer. Place the pulp back into the bowl and wash them once again. Press the pulp through the strainer and drain the extra water.

6.To prepare the masala for the stuffing , heat the pan, add to tsp oil to it. Let the oil heat up. Once heated add ½ tsp cumin seeds, ½ pinch asafoetida, 1/3 tsp turmeric powder, then add the pulp, roast all ingredients well. Also add finely chopped raw mango, 2 tsp fennel seeds powder, ¼ tsp red chili powder and ¾ tsp salt. Roast the stuffing for 1 minute.

7.Once the stuffing is ready, take it out in a plate. To stuff the bitter gourds, open them and fill the stuffing , Press it with a spoon.

8.To cook the Bitter gourds , heat a pan. Add 3 tbsp oil to it. Place the bitter gourds in the pan. Make sure you keep the flame low. Cover and cook the bitter gourd for 2 minutes.

9.After 2 minutes check the bitter gourd. The bitter gourd is roasted from below, flip it so that the bitter gourd is roasted well on all sides. Cover the bitter gourd again for 2 minutes. Check the bitter gourd again.

10.Bitter gourds are golden brown and roasted from all sides. Place them out in a plate. Luscious Stuffed Bitter Gourds are ready.

11.Garnish them with a little green coriander. You can relish this amazing side dish with poori , paratha , chapatti or rice.