Tangy Karela(bitter gourd) sabji

Karela is one of the most hated vegetable in any household! but a little bit of imagination and spices can mask the bitterness and turn this vegetable into a great accompaniment.

Ingredients:

karela- 1 large( de-seeded and chopped into long pieces.)

groundnut- 1 cup ( dry roasted,skinned and powdered)

fresh coconut- 1 cup ( grated)

juice of 3 limes

coconut milk - 1 cup (optional) or 1/2 cup water

salt, chilli powder, jeera powder

sugar 1tsp

onions- 2 (chopped into thin slices)

vegetable oil -5 tsp

corriander leaves-chopped for garnish

Method of preparation:

1.Soak the chopped karela pieces in the juice of 1 lime and little salt for about 15 mins.

2.In a kadai take 2 tsp of oil and fry the karela (after draining the juices) till slightly brown.

3.Remove the karela in a bowl and put 3 tsp of oil in the kadai and add onions.

4.Saute till they are baby pink in colour and then add grated coconut, groundnut powder, chilli powder, jeera powder, salt , juice of 2 limes,sugar and saute for 2min.

5. Add the fried karela and mix well.

6.Add 1 cup of coconut milk or water and simmer till all water dries up and the vegetable leaves oil.

7.garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or chappatis.

Dietary benefits :

1.Bitter gourd is a rich source of phosphorus.  It contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. It also contains minerals like calcium, , phosphorus, iron, copper and potassium. Bitter gourd is a blood purifier, activities spleen and liver and is highly beneficial in diabetes. It is a purgative, appetizer, digestive, anti inflammatory and has healing capacity

2.Coconut is a tropical fruit that is rich in protein. The meat of the coconut is very good in destroying intestinal parasites, that we get from eating infected food.

3.Peanuts (groundnuts) stand out as unique healthful foods for more than just their healthy fat, protein, and fiber. They are a rich source of vitamin B1 B2 B6, E, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, iron , zinc and more..

4.Onions contain more than one hundred sulfur-containing compounds.The onion plays a role of a tonic in boosting immunity as it is rich in assimilable iron,calcium and vitamins ,particularly B1 (thiamine), B2(riboflavin), and C.

5. Lime are a very rich source of vitamin C and also contain a host of other vitamins and minerals.