My Least Favorite Veggie!

My good friends Ian and Charlene came over to me yesterday and excitedly showed me some Karela (bitter gourd/melon) they had just got from a friend who grows organic veggies. "How shall we cook this Petrina?" said Ian. My first thought was (and I'm feeling sheepish as I say this) "Why do you want to cook it?"

I've got to say, I'm not very fond of Karela! Nonetheless, even I have to admit that it's one of those "good for you" vegetables. In India, Karela is often prescribed to those with diabetes as it is believed to have properties that lower blood sugar levels. It is also thought to be an excellent blood purifier and even used to treat problems like acne.

So, even though I may not get excited at the thought of Karela, here are some recipes to cook it, for those of you who do love it.

• Karela Chips
• Kheema Bharvaan Karela (karela stuffed with minced meat)
• Bharvaan Karela (stuffed karela)

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