To boost your immune system in the monsoon, keep the bitter vegetables close. Bitter gourd (Karela) and Fenugreek leaves (Methi) are rich in antioxidants and the medicinal properties in them can help in preventing infections. Contained in this gourd are cleansing compounds that remove toxins especially from the blood. It’s also been known to improve psoriasis and other fungal infections like ring-worm and athletes feet, when included regularly. Bitter vegetables and herbs boost immune system and are rich in antioxidants.
Stuffed Karela
Ingredients
- 2 medium karelas
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 50g grated fresh coconut
- 30g coriander, chopped
- 2 tsp jaggery
- 3 tbsp tamarind juice
- ¼ tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garlic-ginger paste
- 2 tsp coconut oil
Method
- Slit the karela in two halves and scoop the seeds out.
- For the stuffing: Heat oil in a pan and lightly sauté the onions, tomatoes. Then mix in the coriander leaves, jaggery, tamarind juice, rock salt, coriander and cumin powder, ginger garlic paste and grated coconut, cook for a few minutes.
- Fill the stuffing in the scooped karela and tie with a thread.
- Heat a pan add some coconut oil and lightly shallow fry the karela for a few minutes then cover with a lid and cook under steam. Serve hot garnished with coriander and a squeeze of lime.