Bitter Melon & Jaggery Delight
This dessert offers a unique balance of bitter and sweet, with the subtle earthiness of bitter melon beautifully complemented by the rich caramel notes of jaggery. It's a surprisingly delightful and healthy treat that challenges traditional dessert profiles.
Prep Time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
4
Calories
150 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Wash the bitter melons and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pith.
~5 min - 2
Slice the bitter melon halves thinly into half-moon shapes.
~5 min - 3
In a large saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced bitter melon and sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
~7 min - 4
Add the jaggery and water to the saucepan. Stir well until the jaggery dissolves and a syrup forms.
~3 min - 5
Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bitter melon pieces are tender and coated in the syrup. The syrup should thicken slightly.
~15 min - 6
Stir in the cardamom powder. Remove from heat.
~1 min - 7
Let it cool slightly and serve warm in small bowls.
Tips
- To reduce the bitterness of the melon, you can salt the sliced bitter melon, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and squeeze out the excess liquid before cooking.
- This dessert is best enjoyed warm, but can also be served chilled for a different textural experience.
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