Steamed Stuffed Bitter Melon Recipes

KEEMA BHARE KARELAY (BITTER MELON STUFFED WITH MINCED CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Make a slit along the length of each melon, leaving about an inch intact on the ends. Remove the seeds and discard (see Tip 1). Rub 2 teaspoons of salt evenly on the surfaces and insides of the melons. Set aside for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the stuffing (see Tip 2).
• In a medium pot heat 1/4 cup mustard oil for 30 seconds. Add onion, ginger and garlic, and cook on medium for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant.
• Add chicken and remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and cook on high, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, and some bits of the minced chicken start to crisp, about 7 to 10 minutes.
• Lower heat to medium and add cumin, coriander, chile powder and turmeric. Stir and continue cooking for 30 seconds.
• Add 1/4 cup water and chopped tomato. Cook on high, stirring occasionally until the oil starts to separate, about 5 minutes. Stir in green chiles and lemon juice. Turn off the heat. (The stuffing can be made up to 2 days ahead and brought to room temperature before assembly.)
• Squeeze and drain the reserved salted melon. Thoroughly rinse the inside and outside with cold water. Pat dry. (The drier the melon, the easier it will be to fry.)
• In a frying pan large enough to comfortably fit the five stuffed melons in a single layer, add the remaining 3/4 cup mustard oil and heat for 30 to 45 seconds.
• Gently place the melons into the pan and shallow fry on medium until the bottom and sides are deep golden brown, but mostly brown, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Place the melons on a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Remove the paper towel. Using a teaspoon, stuff the melons with the stuffing. Serve with the rest of the prepared stuffing and roti, store-bought pita or by itself.

PORK STUFFED BITTER MELON

Steps:

• In a wok fill about one third of water and cover and bring to a boil.
• On a cutting broad slice the bitter melon lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl combine pork, green onion, egg, salt, pepper, sugar, ginger, oyster sauce, wine and cornstarch and mix together and divide the pork mixture into four and place the pork mixture into each shell bitter melon and place into bamboo steamer and cover into the wok with the boiling water for 20 minutes.
• In a saucepan add in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, onion powder and sesame oil and bring to a boil add in some cornstarch roux for from a light sauce.
• After the bitter melon is steamed remove from the bamboo steamer and plate the bitter melon onto a serving plate and top with the sauce.