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Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is a vegetable that many people find quite a challenge, particularly as the taste can be, as the name suggests, can be quite astringent. However, in many cuisines, such as across South and Southeast Asia, it is this very bitterness that is considered so appealing. Try this very simple recipe to see why.

Top view of Bitter Gourd and a bowl of fried slices of bitter gourd. Text, "Go Everywhere, Eat Every

Bitter Gourd Recipe

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(Serves About 3-4)

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Ingredients​

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  • 2 Bitter Gourds

  • 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

  • 1 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder

  • 1 Teaspoon Turmeric

  • 1 Teaspoon Salt (plus more for salting water)

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Instructions

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  1. Slice the bitter gourd into thick circles.

  2. Using a sharp small knife, remove the seeds from the center of each slice.

  3. Place the slices of bitter gourd into a bowl of salted water for 30 minutes.

  4. Drain the slices on paper kitchen towel and then toss in a combined mixture of the cumin, coriander, chili, turmeric and salt.

  5. You can either fry these slices in vegetable oil until crisp, or, as I prefer to do, lay them out on parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they become crunchy.

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