Bitter Gourd Salad (Sri Lankan Kariwila Sambol)

Let's face it... bitter gourds... it's a pretty ugly and freaky looking vegetable.  If I didn't know what it was... I may think twice about buying it at the grocery store.  My son called it alien cucumbers.  They also live up to their name... they are pretty bitter tasting too.  So now that I have totally turned you off from trying it out, why do I have a recipe highlighting this crazy gourd?  Why....because fried until crispy and tossed in a salad makes it turn from the ugly duckling into a swan.  Well, maybe not a swan.. but a very pretty duck. :)   This is not a salad you can eat on it's own, but it compliments a rice and curry meal wonderfully. 

Ingredients:
3-4 Bitter Gourds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
salt to taste
1 tsp red chili powder to taste
2-3 Tbs lemon or lime juice
1 medium red onion sliced
2-3 green chilies sliced
1-2 tomatoes diced


Directions:

 Wash bitter gourd and allow it to air dry well. Cut ends off and slice 3/4 the way through the gourd and gently open to scrape out all the seeds.  Slice into very thin slices.

 Coat gourd slices with salt, turmeric and chili powder.

Heat oil and fry gourds slices until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel to soak up any access oil. Mix with onion, tomatoes, chilies and lime juice.  Add more salt as needed.  Allow salad to sit for 20-30 minutes before eating to soak up all the flavors. Eat with rice and curry meal.  Enjoy.

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