Crispy Baby Bittergourd Salad

Bittergourds have numerous health benefits. Apart from reducing blood sugar levels, bittergourds have been found to kill breast cancer cells and prevent the cells from growing and spreading. They are considered the most bitter among all fruits and vegetables.  To reduce their bitterness, sprinkle salt on bittergourd slices and leave them aside for an hour or so. Then, squeeze out the bitter juices and cook as your usually do.

Alternatively you can make a tasty salad as I have done below. You might wince at the very idea of eating bittergourd but this is actually a very delicious dish because the tartness of the lemon goes very well with the bitterness of the gourds. Try it- you will love it!!

Ingredients (for 4)
4-5 Baby Bittergourds
Salt and Chilli per your preference
Cooking spray
3 medium tomatoes cubed big
4-5 sprigs of coriander chopped
1 medium red onion, cubed big
Juice of 1 lemon

Method
Preheat your oven to 350deg F (180 deg C) Wash and slice the bittergourds and put them in a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle salt and chilli powder according to your preference and mix thoroughly.
Spray 2 large baking tray with cooking oil and spread the bittergourd slices evenly.
Bake at 350deg F for 30-45 mins till they ay turn crispy on the sides.
Remove from tray and put them in a serving bowl.
You can either mix the cilantro leaves, tomato cubes and lemon juice with the baked bittergourd slices and serve immediately or serve them all next to each other so that anyone can choose what they would like in their salad per their preference. I know some don't like the pungent smell of raw onions.