45 Min
DF
GF
NF
V
Karela Sweet Potato Sabzi
Until recently, bitter foods have gotten a bad rap. Given that they are sorely missing from the American diet, and because of their health benefits, there is an emerging interest in eating foods such as dandelion greens, fresh fenugreek or bitter melons. Even I detested karela (bitter melons) as a kid. But once I learned how to cook them by balancing their flavor in small portions, I understood their magic. Almost every dish I create has either a prominent or underlying note of bitterness to add complexity and depth to flavor. You can also follow one of my cardinal cooking principles: When in doubt, add more ghee! Bitter melon in particular is best eaten in small portions with caramelized onions, sweet potato or sweet corn to offset its bitterness. The basil leaves here make for a fragrant finish — but add them just before serving.
Until recently, bitter foods have gotten a bad rap. Given that they are sorely missing from the American diet, and because of their health benefits, there is an emerging interest in eating foods such as dandelion greens, fresh fenugreek or bitter melons. Even I detested karela (bitter melons) as a kid. But once I learned how to cook them by balancing their flavor in small portions, I understood their magic. Almost every dish I create has either a prominent or underlying note of bitterness to add complexity and depth to flavor. You can also follow one of my cardinal cooking principles: When in doubt, add more ghee! Bitter melon in particular is best eaten in small portions with caramelized onions, sweet potato or sweet corn to offset its bitterness. The basil leaves here make for a fragrant finish — but add them just before serving.
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Serves
4
Directions
Step 1
Slice the karela in half lengthwise and then into thin half-wheels. Sprinkle with salt and sugar let the karela rest for 2 to 3 hours (this mellows out the bitterness). Rinse the karela in water and drain.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a wok or a thick-bottomed frying pan, heat the ghee or olive oil and pop the mustard seeds. Almost immediately add the minced onions and sweet potato. Cook at high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they have a little bit of caramel color.
Step 3
Add the sliced karela, turmeric, and serrano and continue cooking at high heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. If the mixture appears dry, add a tablespoon or two of water.
Step 4
Cover the pan, turn the heat down and let the mixture cook for 3 to 5 minutes. The karela and sweet potato should both be tender by now. Stir in the chopped basil leaves just before serving.
Notes & Variations
- Indian bitter melons (with the stippled skins) and the Chinese bitter melons (with the smooth tops) both work well with this recipe.
- A sabzi is essentially a prepared vegetable dish, usually eaten with roti, rice or another kind of Indian bread. You could also make a taco out of it.
- If the karela is extra bitter, sprinkle a tablespoon of honey or sugar on the sabzi just before serving.
Ingredients
4 to 5 karela (approximately 1 pound)
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 tablespoons cane sugar
4 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 cup minced onion
1 large sweet potato, roughly 2 to 3 cups of 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 serrano pepper, minced
1 cup chopped basil leaves
Step 1
Slice the karela in half lengthwise and then into thin half-wheels. Sprinkle with salt and sugar let the karela rest for 2 to 3 hours (this mellows out the bitterness). Rinse the karela in water and drain.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a wok or a thick-bottomed frying pan, heat the ghee or olive oil and pop the mustard seeds. Almost immediately add the minced onions and sweet potato. Cook at high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they have a little bit of caramel color.
Step 3
Add the sliced karela, turmeric, and serrano and continue cooking at high heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. If the mixture appears dry, add a tablespoon or two of water.
Step 4
Cover the pan, turn the heat down and let the mixture cook for 3 to 5 minutes. The karela and sweet potato should both be tender by now. Stir in the chopped basil leaves just before serving.
4 to 5 karela (approximately 1 pound)
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 tablespoons cane sugar
4 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 cup minced onion
1 large sweet potato, roughly 2 to 3 cups of 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 serrano pepper, minced
1 cup chopped basil leaves
Notes & Variations
- Indian bitter melons (with the stippled skins) and the Chinese bitter melons (with the smooth tops) both work well with this recipe.
- A sabzi is essentially a prepared vegetable dish, usually eaten with roti, rice or another kind of Indian bread. You could also make a taco out of it.
- If the karela is extra bitter, sprinkle a tablespoon of honey or sugar on the sabzi just before serving.
Tags:
45 Min
DF
GF
NF
V
Stock Your Pantry
Essential Masala Dabba
$235
A handmade spice box containing red chile, turmeric, black pepper, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, amchur and garam masala.
Ghee
$10
Ghee is a class of clarified butter that originated in ancient India.
Ghee Pot
$40
A solid brass pot with steel lining. Ideal for ghee or other kitchen ingredients.
Tags:
45 Min
DF
GF
NF
V
Stock Your Pantry
Essential Masala Dabba
$235
Ghee
$10
Ghee Pot
$40
Looking for just a hint of sweet potato?
Check out these recipes that feature sweet potato but by means of balancing out the other flavors in the dish!
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY
