Savory Stuffed Bitter Gourd with Spiced Mince
Discover the unique and healthful flavors of Savory Stuffed Bitter Gourd with Spiced Mince. This delightful dish utilizes bitter gourd, known for its natural blood-purifying properties, as a vessel for a flavorful filling of minced beef or mutton, enhanced with aromatic spices and tangy tamarind. The preparation is straightforward, making it easy to create a dish that is not only nutritious but also bursting with taste. Perfect for a family meal, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavors that will surprise and satisfy even those wary of bitter gourd. Serve it warm with fresh coriander for a delightful culinary experience.
4
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef or mutton mince
1/2 kg (freshly ground)
bitter melon
1/2 kg (scraped and slit lengthwise)
salt
to taste
oil
1/2 cup
onions
2 (finely sliced)
ginger-garlic paste
2 teaspoons
turmeric
1/4 teaspoon
ground coriander
1 teaspoon
red chili powder
2 teaspoons
cumin powder
1 teaspoon
garam masala powder
1 teaspoon
chopped tomatoes
2
green chilies
4 (chopped)
tamarind pulp
4 tablespoons
fresh coriander
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the bitter gourds by scraping the skin and making a lengthwise slit to remove the seeds.
2
Rub salt all over the bitter gourds, both inside and outside, and allow them to rest for 30 minutes.
3
Afterward, rinse the bitter gourds thoroughly under running water to remove excess salt and moisture.
4
In a pot, add water with 1 tablespoon of tamarind pulp and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the bitter gourds and simmer for 5 minutes.
5
Drain the bitter gourds and heat some oil in a pan. Fry the gourds gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender. Set aside to cool.
6
In the same pan, add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
7
Add turmeric, ground coriander, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until fragrant.
8
Next, add the chopped tomatoes and a splash of water, cooking covered until the tomatoes softens.
9
Stir in the minced meat and cook until fully cooked, adding water as needed to keep it moist. Incorporate the chopped green chilies, tamarind pulp, fresh coriander, and garam masala, mixing well.
10
Stuff each bitter gourd with the prepared mince mixture, securing them with kitchen twine if necessary.
11
In the remaining mince in the pan, arrange the stuffed bitter gourds on top, add 1/4 cup of water, and cover to cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.
12
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Stuffed Bitter Gourd with Spiced Mince?
It is a nutritious dish where bitter gourd is scraped, salted, and boiled, then stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced beef or mutton and aromatic spices.
What are the health benefits of bitter gourd?
Bitter gourd is well-known for its natural blood-purifying properties and is considered a healthful ingredient in various cuisines.
How can I reduce the bitterness of the bitter gourd?
To reduce bitterness, scrape the skin, rub the gourd with salt for 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and then boil it in water with tamarind pulp for 5 minutes.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 kg of freshly ground beef or mutton mince.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes a tag for a vegetarian option, which typically involves replacing the mince with ingredients like lentils or mashed potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What spices are needed for the spiced mince?
The spices required include turmeric, ground coriander, red chili powder, cumin powder, and garam masala.
How do I prepare the bitter gourds for stuffing?
Scrape the skin and make a lengthwise slit to remove the seeds before salting and boiling.
How long should I let the salt sit on the bitter gourds?
The gourds should rest with the salt rub for 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness.
Why is tamarind used in this recipe?
Tamarind pulp is used both in the boiling water and the mince mixture to add a tangy flavor and help balance the bitterness of the gourd.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the dish is characterized as spicy, containing 2 teaspoons of red chili powder and 4 chopped green chilies.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
How much carbohydrate is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I boil the bitter gourds?
Boil the bitter gourds for 5 minutes in water mixed with tamarind pulp.
Should I fry the bitter gourds before stuffing?
Yes, after boiling and draining, fry the gourds gently in oil for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender.
How do I cook the onions for the filling?
Sauté the finely sliced onions in oil until they reach a golden brown color.
When do I add the ginger-garlic paste?
Add the ginger-garlic paste after the onions are golden brown and sauté for another minute.
What is the purpose of adding tomatoes to the mince?
Chopped tomatoes are added and cooked until soft to create a moist and flavorful base for the meat.
How do I ensure the stuffing stays inside the bitter gourd?
You can secure the stuffed gourds with kitchen twine if necessary before the final cooking stage.
How long is the final cooking time once the gourds are stuffed?
The stuffed gourds should be cooked covered over low heat for about 5 minutes with a small amount of water.
What should I use to garnish the dish?
Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped coriander.
How much oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil.
Can I use mutton instead of beef?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using either beef or mutton mince.
What type of cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is a part of traditional Indian cuisine.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, the provided nutritional data and ingredient list do not include any sugar.
How many green chilies are used?
The recipe uses 4 chopped green chilies.
Is the bitter gourd peeled or scraped?
The instructions specify to scrape the skin rather than peeling it completely.
How much tamarind pulp is needed in total?
The recipe uses a total of 5 tablespoons: 1 tablespoon for boiling the gourds and 4 tablespoons for the mince mixture.