Karwar Style Ambade Udid Methi Recipe – Hog Plum Curry
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Coastal Karnataka with this delightful Karwar Style Ambade Udid Methi, a rich and aromatic hog plum curry that perfectly balances sweetness, bitterness, and spice. This traditional vegetarian dish is not only a staple for lunch but also pairs beautifully with steamed rice and Sol Kadhi, offering a taste of South Indian cuisine that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hog Plum (Amtekai) – (Ambade) | 5 pieces |
| Fresh coconut – grated | 3/4 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Rice (raw rice) | 1 teaspoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 6 pieces |
| Dry Red Chilli | 4 pieces |
| Jaggery | 2 tablespoons |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Karela (Bitter Gourd/Pavakkai) – (Small) | 1 piece |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 4 teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180-220 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | Varies based on salt added |
| Sugars | Varies based on jaggery |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 25 minutes |
| Cooking | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Number of Servings | 4 servings |
Instructions
To begin making the Karwar Style Ambade Udid Methi Recipe (Hog Plum Curry), start by preparing the bitter gourd (Karela). Scrape away its outer layer, clean it thoroughly, and slice it into thin rings. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of salt over the sliced gourd, tossing well to coat each piece. Set it aside for about an hour; this helps reduce the inherent bitterness of the vegetable. After an hour has passed, rinse the salted bitter gourd slices under running water to wash off excess salt and bitterness, then set them aside to drain.
While the bitter gourd is draining, heat a small amount of oil in a kadai (a type of Indian wok) over low heat and roast the drained bitter gourd rings until they are crisp and golden brown. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
As the bitter gourd roasts, peel and clean the hog plums (Ambade). In a separate pan, heat a few drops of oil and lightly roast the coriander seeds, black urad dal, methi seeds, raw rice, black peppercorns, a pinch of asafoetida, and dry red chillies individually over low heat. Monitor the roasting closely, as each ingredient should be removed from the flame once it changes color and becomes fragrant. This step adds depth to the flavors of the curry. Once roasted, allow the spices to cool.
Once cooled, combine the roasted spices with the grated coconut in a mixer grinder. Add a little water to facilitate blending and grind the mixture to a smooth paste.
Next, add the ground paste to 1 cup of water to create a semi-thick gravy and pour this mixture into the kadai where the bitter gourd was roasted. Stir in the turmeric powder, hog plums, jaggery, roasted bitter gourd rings, and salt to taste. Increase the heat to high and stir occasionally until the curry reaches a boil.
Once it starts boiling, lower the heat and allow the curry to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the hog plums are tender and cooked through. If you notice that the gravy is too thick, feel free to add additional water to achieve your desired consistency.
Before serving, taste the curry and adjust the salt and jaggery as needed, ensuring the balance of flavors is just right.
For the tempering (tadka), heat a bit of oil in a small pan. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and a pinch of asafoetida. Allow the mustard seeds to pop before pouring the tempering over the prepared hog plum curry.
Serve the Karwar Style Ambade Udid Methi hot, alongside steamed rice and a refreshing Sol Kadhi, making for a wholesome South Indian meal that is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique flavors and textures. Enjoy!
