Stuffed Karela

Ingredients 

• 8 mini bitter gourds (karela)
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 cup scraped fresh coconut 
• 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon dried mango powder
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped Fresh coriander leaves 

Method

1. Slit the bitter gourds on one side without cutting through and scoop out all the seeds and keep them on a plate. Sprinkle salt over them and mix well.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick pan, add onion and saute till translucent. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and coriander powder, mix well and saute for 1 minute.
3. Add coconut, peanuts, fennel seeds, dried mango powder, salt and coriander leaves, mix well and saute for 2-3 minutes. Set aside to cool down to room temperature.
4. Stuff this mixture into the bitter gourds.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a non-stick pan, place the stuffed bitter gourds in it and shallow-fry for 2-3 minutes. Cover and cook till the gourds are well done.
6. Arrange them on a serving platter, garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.