Karele ki sabzi or karela nu shaak

Karela nu shak or karele ki sabzi though not everyone's favourite but try this version and you will surely will feel that this vegetable should not be named as bittergourd.

This version has the sweetness of jaggery and raisins.

Preparation Time : 15 minutes
Cooking Time     ; 15 minutes
Serves : 2 - 3

Ingredients :

3-4 karela or bittergourd cut into long pieces
2 potatoes cut into long pieces
pinch of asafoetida
2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of chili powder
1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp of coriander cumin powder
4-5 tsp of jaggery

2 tsp of oil 

2 tsp of raisins 

How to prepare : 

Cut the potatoes and bittergourd into long pieces 

Removing their skin is optional. 

Remove the seeds of bittergourd and cut them in long pieces 

In a mixing bowl add bittergourd and a tsp of salt in  and mix well and keep aside for 5-10 minutes or till the bittergourd is soft to squeeze to remove the salt water.

Note : This process helps in removing the bitterness of bittergourd 

Heat oil in a nonstick pan or a wok , add asafoetida 

Add potatoes and saute on a medium high flame till they turn crisp and brown 

Add the squeezed bittergourd, salt and saute again and cover the lid and cook the vegetable for 8-10 minutes. 

Open the lid once the vegetable is about to get cooked and add turmeric, chilli , coriander powder, jaggery, raisins and cover the lid again for 5 minutes on a medium low flame. 

The jaggery will melt and make the bittergourd sweet. Open the lid and saute everything.

You can keep the lid open and cook on a medium flame if you want it little crispy / crunchy. 

Serve it with rotis and aamras.