Myanmar - Bitter Melon (Carilla)

Bitter Melon 

(Carilla)

Ingredients

-       2, 6-inch long bitter melons

-       1 tablespoon salt, for washing out

-       Large pinch turmeric

-       3 tablespoons oil

-       1 small onion

-       1/2 teaspoon chili powder

-       3 medium tomatoes

-       2 tablespoons shrimp powder

-       Fish sauce to taste

Directions

-       Prepare melon: scrape off skin and blisters lightly, just enough to remove raised parts.

-       Cut in thin diagonal slices and then strips.

-       Fruit should be tender enough not to have hard seeds and to have insides that can be used.

-       Wash cut slices. Now knead them hard with salt to get out excess bitterness.

-       Wash off all this salt and juice.

-       Wash in clear water and drain. Rub with turmeric.

-       Heat oil. Slice onion and fry till clear.

-       Add chili and fry.

-       Slice tomatoes finely and fry together.

-       When pulp begins to soften, add melon strips and stir well.

-       Cover and cook till fairly dry but not discolored.

-       Add shrimp powder.

-       Stir well and cook 2 to 3 minutes.

-       If salt is needed now, add fish sauce to taste and cook till it is absorbed.

-       This is a dry dish.