Pakistani•healthy

Karela Sabzi

A classic, easy vegan recipe for karela or bitter melon, one of South Asia's most popular summer vegetables.

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

4 bitter melons (skin scraped with a knife, sliced length wise, deseeded and sliced in half rings (roughly 1 ½ lb))
½ cup oil
2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced in half rings (roughly 1 ½ lb))
2 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp salt or to taste
2 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
4 roma tomatoes (diced)
4 tbsp cilantro (finely diced for garnish (optional))

1
Generously salt sliced bitter melon and place in colander for 2 hours. Squeeze water out with your hands.
2
In a large saucepan, heat oil and fry bitter melon on low to medium heat for 20 – 30 minutes. Drain on paper towel and set aside.
3
In the same oil, add onion and fry for 10 minutes on low to medium heat till it browns evenly.
4
Add salt and spices and stir for 1 – 3 minutes. Add water to deglaze the pan if necessary.
5
Add diced tomatoes and fry on high heat for 5- 7 minutes.
6
Add the fried bitter melon. Dial heat to lowest possible point and cover. Let it steam for five minutes.
7
Add cilantro for garnish and serve with either roti or plain rice.