Bittermelon Chips!

Warning:  Bitter! Not for the faint-hearted....Here is a wikipedia article on the scientific features of the plant and culinary uses. This is a common dish in South Asia.

Fresh bittermelon from my mother's garden! 

Directions:

1. Slice clean bittermelon so that pieces are small circles as shown in the final product photo above.
2. Place in a bowl and salt liberally. Set aside for 30 minutes. This step helps to remove some of the bitterness flavor from the bittermelon.
3. Very important:  After the 30 minutes have passed, transfer the bitter melon into another container and squeeze out any remaining moisture.
4. Heat up oil in a frying pan.
5. Place sliced bittermelon in the pan so that the bittermelon slices are not on top of each other [they are all making contact with the pan.] This is critical to ensure a dried, crispy texture in the end.
6. Cook the slices for 30-45 minutes on low to medium heat, flipping slices over once in between.
7. When slices begin to brown, toss with minced garlic.
8. Add salt to taste.
9. Serve and enjoy!

The Eye by Brandi Carlile

Love this song by Brandi Carlile. This is not my recording, but I was fortunate to hear her sing this song off her new album at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento.

 

South Florida - Miami

Here are some photos from my travels to Miami in September 2014.

Ocean Drive public restrooms

Ocean Drive hotels and restaurants

Lifeguard station 

Lifeguard station

South Florida - Everglades

Here are photos from my trip to the Everglades in September 2014. We avoided getting bitten by mosquitoes by putting on tons of bug spray!

Plants in water = pretty [to me].

Can you spot the alligator?

Thought the reflection of the clouds in the swamp was cool. :D

From another angle.

"It feels like we're in Africa!"

Tomato Achar

This achar can be eaten alongside a traditional Nepali meal of rice and lentils [dal] or as a dipping sauce or salsa. Learn more about achar in South Asian cuisine.

What you need:

• 8-9 small tomatoes [adjust if using larger tomatoes], chopped into large chunks
• 1/2 onion, chopped into small pieces
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Red pepper to taste
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Add oil to a non-stick pot that has a lid. Heat for 30 seconds on medium heat. 
2. Add onions to pan. Stir and cook until clear. 
3. Add tomatoes, garlic, ginger and cumin. Cover with lid.
4. Cook until tomatoes have reduced in size and mixture resembles a thick salsa or chunky pasta sauce.
5. Add red pepper and salt to taste.
6. Enjoy warm or refrigerate to serve cold.