Tamarind Chutney

Ingredients:

1 cup tamarind shelled and De-seeded
1/2 cup dates De-seeded (Optional)
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups water
1/2 tsp. red chilli powder
1/2 crushed cumin seeds

Piece of cinnamon sticks or bay leaf (not too much since bay leaf has its own distinct aroma and taste. Too much will over power the tamarind)
1 tsp. salt

Method:

1.      De-shell and wash the tamarind clean

2.     Place the tamarind, sugar dates, cinnamon and water in a deep boiling put and leave to soak for 5 mins.

3.      Put to boil for approximately 9- 10 mins.

4.      Allow to cool

5.      Remove the cinnamon stick ( or bay leaf) then blend in a electric blender until smooth

6.      Strain and transfer the mixture into the boiling pot again

7.      Allow the mixture to boil until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon thinly ( don’t let the mixture burn so a low heat is better)

8.      Add the seasoning.

9.      Allow to cool and then store in clean airtight bottles and refrigerate

Caraille ( Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon)

Bitter gourd goes well with Sada Roti. It can also be eaten raw. Like the name suggest this vegetable is bitter, but i taste good and is extremely nutritious.

Ingredients:-

2 Caraille aka Bitter gourd
1 sm. Onion diced
3 cloves Garlic finely diced
2 Pimentos finely chopped 
1 tsp basil
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp All Purpose Seasoning Salt
1 tbsp Vegetable oil
1 cup salt water

Method:-

1. Cut caraille ( bitter gourd) length ways; De-seed and wash thoroughly
2. Dice the caraille and soak in a salt water mixture for approximately 15 mins - half an hour
3. Heat the frying pan for 5 mins; add the oil and let heat
4. Slowly add the pimentos, onion and garlic, basil and parsley and allow to saute 
5. Drain the caraille and add to the sauteing herbs and spices
6. Stir and let the caraille turn brown in color
7. Then add the seasoning salts and stir thoroughly

Note:- The Caraille is cooked when it's soft in texture. Overcooking can cause it to be crispy and that works if you like the crispy taste of caraille between bread or Sada roti.