Korolla Mola Maach Chochori (Bitter Gourd With Small Fish)

Serves three to four people.

Ingredients:

• Mola maach (Indian carplet fish) - 250 gm
• Large bitter gourd - 1
• Small potato - 1
• Sliced onion - 1 cup
• Sliced garlic - 1 tablespoon
• Ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder - 1 teaspoon
• Split green chili - 4 to 5
• Salt - as needed
• Oil - ¼ cup

Preparation:

• Remove the fish heads and clean the fish a few times with water and a little bit of salt.
• Rinse and drain properly.

• Cut the bitter gourd into thin 1" pieces.
• Clean the pieces thoroughly with salty water.

• Peel and cut the potato into 1" pieces.
• Clean and rinse as well.

• Heat oil in a pan and mix all the ingredients except for the green chili and potatoes.
• Pour in 1 cup of water and cover the pan.
• Wait until the water starts to boil before lowering the heat.

• After 5 to 6 minutes, stir in the green chili and potatoes and remove the lid.
• Let it simmer until the water dries up completely.
• Turn off the heat when the oil starts to separate out and serve.

Korolla Motorshuti Bhaji (Bitter Gourd With Peas)

Serves four to five people.

Ingredients:

• Korolla (bitter gourd) - 3 to 4
• Sweet peas - ¼ cup
• Sliced green chili - 4 to 5
• Chopped onion - 1 cup
• Ground turmeric - ½ teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon (as needed)
• Oil - ¼ cup

Preparation:

• Deseed the bitter gourds and the cut them into thin pieces.
• Clean them in water with a little bit of salt.
• Keep aside.

• Heat oil in a pan and fry the bitter gourds with turmeric and salt.
• Keep over medium heat and stir frequently until the bitter gourds become soft and tender.
• Note that fresh bitter gourds become soft quickly. Add a little bit of water if necessary.

• Add the peas, onions and green chili.
• Fry lightly until the oil starts to separate out.
• Serve hot with rice.