Stuffed Bittermelon Mom's Style

 

Stuffed Bittermelon is loved by even those who generally don't eat bittermelon or bittergourd. I make it by different methods as my mother used to do, but this is her iconic recipe which she learnt from her mother. Trust me, it is so yummy and there is no trace of bitterness in this stuffed bittermelon.
 

Stuffed karela in Thanda Masala which is also known as Sarson ka Masala. This was my mom's very special recipe. A bit lengthy but worth trying. The bitterness of karelas withers away and in your mouth only the softness of karela and balancing aroma of spices prevails!

Peel the bittermelons or karelas and put salt and turmeric powder generously inside as well as outside and keep aside for at least 4 hours. Then squeeze and rinse, deep fry them till light brown.

In a coffee grinder, grind 1 tsp. Yellow mustard seeds. This is for 2 large karelas. Grate 1 large onion and 5 cloves garlic( I did it in a chopper.) Heat mustard oil and add this Onion garlic paste, mustard powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder 1 and half tsp. salt and amchoor powder 4 tsp. Cook till oil starts separating. Add 1 small mashed potato if you like,not mandatory. I added,mom never did this. Now stuff this masala in karelas and thread them so that masala doesn't come out.

Heat 1 tsp. Oil in a pan,add stuffed karelas,2 tbsp. Water,half pinch salt and cover and cook on low medium flame till water dries out. Serve with dal rice chapati.

Note...The watermark is mine. Food for Life is my Facebook page.