Bitter Melon - Kerala Recipe

Bitter melon is a gourd in the same family as cucumbers, pumpkins, squashes, and melons, and is low in calories, rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and flavonoids.  It has a bitter taste and cold, pungent qualities. It removes excess heat from the body, purifies the blood, strengthens the liver, stimulates digestion, and removes toxins. It reduces Pitta and Kapha but can increase Vata.

Ingredients:

·   8 oz. bitter melon

·   4 oz. sliced onions

·   3 Tbl olive oil or your favorite

·   4 oz fresh tomatoes, chopped or 2 Tablespoons of tomato puree

·   2 pieces of garlic (optional)

·   1 tsp garam masala

·   1 tsp turmeric, ground

·   1 tsp cumin ground

·   1 tsp coriander ground

·   ½ tsp red chili powder

·   1 Tbl of sweetener, I like maple syrup

·   Pinch of salt

·   1/4-1/3 cup of water or vegetable stock

Directions:

·       Cut bitter melon in half lengthwise, scoop out white pith, and then cut into ¼” slices.

·       Julienne the onions into 1/4 “slices

·       If using garlic peel, smash with the knife and chop into small pieces

·       Prepare the tomato product

·       Measure out the spices

·       Place the oil in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic for a few minutes at medium heat before adding the spices, then continue cooking for a minute until the essential oils release from the spices.

·       Add the bitter melon, combine, and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously.

·       Add the tomato product, sweetener, and liquid, combine, and cover so it steams while cooking.

·       It is important to keep an eye on the pot so there is enough liquid so it does not stick or burn. Every five minutes, take a look, add liquid if needed, and stir.  You will know when it is done when the onions and bitter melon start to break down, and it sort of looks like a stew. YUMMY