Karela (Bitter-melon) Masala

::Ingredients::
3-4 Bitter-melons (karelas)
1 Medium Onion - chopped
2 Tomatoes - chopped
2 Green chillies
1tsp Ginger-garlic paste
1tsp Cumin seeds
1/2tsp Red Chilli powder
1/2tsp Coriander seeds
1/4tsp Turmeric powder
1/4tsp Garam masala
2tsp Lemon juice
2tsp Oil
salt to taste

::Procedure::
1. Cut the Bitter melons along length and remove seeds. Juvenile/chop into small pieces. Put it in a container and sprinkle salt and the lemon juice. Leave for marination for 15 mins and wash thoroughly with warm water. This helps reduce the bitterness.

2. On a frying pan, add the oil and the cumin seeds. When they begin to sizzle, add onions and green chillies. Fry till light golden.

3. Add all the masalas and fry for 2 mins.

4. Add the tomatoes and fry till the tomatoes melt.

5. Now add the bitter-melon and cover. Stir occasionally.

Enjoy Karela Masala with roti-bread or dal-rice!

PS: You can substitute Karela with Bhindi(Okra) to make Bhindi Masala

Indo-chinese Chilli Chicken

::Ingredients::
1kg Chicken (small pieces w/o skin)
4tsp Soy sauce
4tsp Vinegar
1/2 kg onions (medium chopped)
1/2 kg capsicum (med chopped)
4-5 green chillies (cut by length)
1 whole garlic (finely chopped)
2tbsp oil
3tsp salt

::Procedure::
1. Marinade chicken pieces with soy sauce, vinegar and 2tsp salt. Leave for 45 mins.

2. Heat oil in a wok. Stir fry onions and garlic till golden.

3. Add capsicum, chillies & 1tsp salt. Stir fry till capsicum loses water.

4. Add the marinated chicken and 2 cups water. Boil till chicken is cooked.

Enjoy chilli chicken over noodles or rice !