Karonda Bhaji/Sabji/Relish
Karonda, Aachar Style Sabji
Abha Gupta
Note from Mamta: This recipe is from my elder sister, who has a Karonda bush in her garden in India. My father too used to have it in his garden, no matter where we moved in his jobs. This is a lovely recipe. Try it... it and enjo!
Karaunda berries are not available in the west, but gooseberries or other tart/sour berries will give a reasonable dish.
Ingredients
500 gm. or 6 oz. either cranberries or Indian fruit karonda, sliced in half
12-15 fresh green chillies, cut into 1/4" pieces (no need to de-seed)
1 tsp. kalonji/nigella seeds (nigella sativa)
2-3-4 green chillies, to taste
1tbsp. cooking oil
1/4 tsp. saunf/fennel seeds*
1/4 tsp. jeera/cumin seeds*
1/4 tsp. black mustard/rai seeds*
1/4 tsp kalaunji/nigella seeds*
1/4 tsp. mustard seeds*
1 tsp. dhania/coriander powder
1/2 tsp. huldi/turmeric optional
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. chilli powder, adjust to taste
1 tsp saunf/fennel seed powder
2-3 tsp. Gur/Jaggery/dark brown, adjust to taste sugar/muscovado sugar or to taste
* these five make Panch Pooran. You can use 1 full tsp. of Panchpooran instead of individual seeds
Instructions
Wash, slice karondas into halves.
If seeds are hard, remove them.
Slice green chillies finely, keep aside.
Heat oil in a pan on medium high heat.
Add Panchpooran seeds. When they splutter, add Karonda and green chillies. Stir and turn the heat down.
After a minute or two, add the coriander powder, turmeric powders, ground fennel seeds, chilli powder, salt and mix well.
Cook covered, stirring frequently. If too dry, add a couple of teaspoons of water.
Karondas will cook in 10 minutes. Cranberries will take a little less. Stirring the cranberries too much will break them into a mush. I like to see them in pieces.
Add jaggery/brown sugar. The sweetness can be adjusted depending on how sweet or sour you like it.
Taste and adjust seasoning and sweetness.
Give a final stir and transfer into a serving dish. Serve with any Indian meal or snacks.
Can be served cold. It is eaten in small quantities, like a pickle, It lasts in the fridge for a few days.
