Ambade Kaarle Lonche Recipe – Hog Plums & Bitter Gourd Pickle (Coastal Karnataka)
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Coastal Karnataka
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Introduction:
Ambade Kaarle Lonche, a delicious pickle from the coastal regions of Karnataka, is a perfect combination of tangy hog plums (Ambade) and mildly bitter karela (bitter gourd). This unique side dish pairs well with steamed rice, Karwar-style Muga Ambat, and Puri. The balance of bitterness from karela, sweetness from jaggery, and the tangy flavor of hog plums creates a complex yet delightful pickle that can elevate any meal. This dish showcases the rich culinary traditions of the coastal Karnataka region, where the abundance of fresh produce and the flavors of jaggery and spices come together beautifully.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hog Plum (Ambade) | 6 |
| Bitter Gourd (Karela/Pavakkai) | 1 |
| Jaggery | 6 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fenugreek Seeds (Methi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies | 4 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 2 pinch |
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Sugars | 10 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on available ingredients and standard serving size.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bitter Gourd (Karela)
- Begin by scraping the outer layer of the bitter gourd (karela) thoroughly. Remove the seeds if they are not tender.
- Slice the bitter gourd into 2-inch long strips. Sprinkle with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and set it aside for 1 hour. This process helps reduce the bitterness of the gourd.
Step 2: Squeeze Out the Water
- After the bitter gourd has rested, wash it well under running water to remove excess salt.
- Squeeze out the water from the strips to remove as much bitterness as possible.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Bitter Gourd
- Heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil in a kadai (wok) or pan. Stir fry the drained bitter gourd strips until they soften and begin to crisp slightly. Set them aside.
Step 4: Tempering for the Pickle
- In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Once they start to pop, quickly add the fenugreek seeds (methi), green chilies, and asafoetida (hing).
- Sauté the tempering ingredients for a few seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil.
Step 5: Cook the Hog Plums
- Stir in the turmeric powder and the hog plums (ambade). Mix well, ensuring the tempering coats the fruit.
- Add about 4 tablespoons of water to help cook the hog plums, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the hog plums soften and cook through.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
- Once the hog plums are cooked, add the stir-fried bitter gourd strips to the pan. Mix gently to combine the flavors.
- Stir in the jaggery and salt. Cook the mixture for a few more minutes, allowing the jaggery to melt and blend with the other ingredients.
- If the mixture thickens too much, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to maintain a slightly saucy consistency, as the jaggery will stiffen when cooled.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- Once everything is cooked and well combined, remove the pan from heat and let the pickle cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the Ambade Kaarle Lonche to a clean jar and store it once cooled.
Serving Suggestions:
Ambade Kaarle Lonche is best served as an accompaniment to a hearty meal. Pair it with Steamed Rice, Karwar Style Muga Ambat (a coastal-style lentil curry), and Puri (fried Indian bread) for an authentic and delightful meal. The tanginess of the hog plums, combined with the bitterness of the karela and sweetness of jaggery, makes it a perfect contrast to the simplicity of rice and the richness of curries.
Tips and Variations:
-
Adjusting Bitterness:
If you find that the bitter gourd is still too bitter after the first step, you can repeat the salt-and-soak method or stir-fry the pieces a bit longer for a milder flavor. -
Customizing the Spice:
You can adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a less spicy pickle, you can remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them to the tempering. -
Storage:
This pickle can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. Always use a dry spoon when serving to avoid contamination and ensure the pickle stays fresh longer.
Conclusion:
Ambade Kaarle Lonche brings together the flavors of the coastal Karnataka cuisine in a unique, aromatic pickle. Its combination of bitter, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a perfect addition to any Indian meal. The addition of jaggery not only balances the bitterness of the karela but also gives the pickle a luscious depth of flavor. Easy to prepare and full of authentic flavors, this dish is sure to be a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
