Karela Peel Chutney: A Zero Waste Healthy Condiment

By Devi Poojari

This surprisingly savoury and flavoursome chutney made with the leftover peels of bitter gourd is the only condiment you need to eat for good health and a healthy dose of antioxidants for your body.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup bitter gourd peels 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 10-15 curry leaves 5 cloves garlic ¼ cup freshly grated coconut 4 dry red chillies 3 tablespoons flax seeds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 1 lemon-sized ball tamarind 2 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon turmeric powder Salt, to taste 1 pinch sugar

METHOD

Add a tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry the peels until they turn a dark green and crisp up slightly.

METHOD

Set aside and fry the remaining dry ingredients in oil until they are browned and aromatic.

METHOD

Cool all the ingredients and add to a blender jar before grinding into a coarse paste, with no water.

METHOD

Season with salt and sugar and refrigerate until ready to eat with ghee-rice, bhakri or theplas.