Sesame Stuffed Bitter Gourd

Ingredients:

Bitter Gourd 3 Small
Sesame Seeds 3 Tbsps
Whole Red Chiles 1
Red Chili Powder 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1/4 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil 1 Tbsp + 1/4 tsp

Method of preparation:

Lightly scrape, wash and make a vertical slit in the stomach of bitter gourd keeping its ends intact.
Remove and discard seeds to hollow the bitter gourds.

Grind sesame seeds, red chile, red chili powder, cumin seeds and salt into coarse powder.
Heat quarter tsp of oil in a pan, add the ground spicy sesame powder.
Fry for a minute on low flame to toast the powder a bit and remove from heat.

Stuff each bitter gourd with little more than a tbsp of prepared sesame stuffing.

Heat a tbsp of oil in a nonstick pan on medium low heat, slowly place the stuffed bitter gourds in the pan.
Cook covered on low flame for bitter gourd to soften and starts to turn golden brown.
Uncover, make sure to carefully turn the bitter gourd to uncooked side and fry for a minute or two.
Serve sesame stuffed bitter gourd with plain steamed rice. Discard the ends of the bitter gourd while eating.

Notes: Choose small thin bitter gourds which aid in proper stuffing and frying.

Suggestions: If bitter gourd is not cooked properly, put them back on heat, sprinkle few drops of water if necessary and cook covered till done.
Variations: To reduce the bitterness, apply a tsp of salt all over and inside the bitter gourd. Leave aside for an hour or two and wash under running water.
Other Names: Til Bharwan Karele, Sesame Stuffed Bitter Gourd, Kakarakaya Nuvvu Pindi Gutti Kura.