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Monday, March 8, 2010

Bitter Gourd, Pinto Beans and Raisin Patty Sliders

If there is a dish that comes close to defining/representing who I am, its got to be this one. A bittersweet "curried" patty ensconced in an acceptably all-right "burger". Hmm, what does that mean? A person who is almost always sweet yet laced with an iota of bitterness who also happens to be a melting pot of bi-cultural principles and outlook. That is what. These mini-burgers, also called as "sliders" are easy to make and fun to eat.  The inspiration to make sliders comes from being a fan of a burger joint in NYC called POP Burger that caters dot-sized burgers.FYI, bitter gourd/bitter melon is not for everyone. It is certainly an acquired taste that many "fail to acquire". True to its name its bitter(the bitterness mellows when fried) but hey its very good for diabetics and everyone else in general.Don't like the idea? Well, patties can also be made with 1.ChickPea, Oat N Oat bran, 2.Barley and ChickPea, 3.Beet,RedBean and SweetPea.

Ingredients:
  • Bitter Gourd/Bitter Melon - 4, small, Pitted and fine diced
  • Pinto Beans - 2 cans, 15.5 ounces each, drained and smashed
  • Onion - 1, small, diced
  • Carrot - 1, small, fine diced
  • Raisins - a handful
  • Curry Powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Pepper - 1/2 tsp, cracked
  • Salt for taste
  • Tomato - 1, sliced
  • Avocado - 1/2, sliced
  • Olive Oil - 4 tbsp
  • Mini-Burger buns - 12 or make your buns using multi-grain bread and cookie-cutters
Procedure:
  • In a wide skillet, add 2 tbsp of oil and fry the diced gourd with little cracked pepper until it is browned.Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a bowl, add the roughly smashed beans, diced onions, pepper, salt, curry powder, carrot and cooled gourd.
  • Mix gently and shape into 12 even-sized patties.
  • Heat the remaining oil in the pan and cook the patties 3-4 minutes per side on a low flame.
  • Assemble them on buns with tomato or avocado slices on top and enjoy!
Makes 12 sliders

Note:
  • The patties are soft and delicate since no binder like egg was used. Care should be taken to not crumble when flipping them to cook.
Other Bitter Food Ideas:
    Enjoy!

    37 comments:

    1. Wow, innovative dish...very intresting and tempting..got to try soon, thanx for sharing!!

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    2. Wow hats off to you a burger with such healthy ingredients including bitter gourd.
      Burgers look delicious.

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    3. Loved your definition..lol..My family loves bitter gourd and this is so innovative

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    4. How innovative is that!!!! Burgers with bitter gourd looks awesome...will pass on this recipe to my mom, she loves bitter gourd:)

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    5. I know I am repeating myself but the first song on your mixpod is really really peppy and good :) Will download it soon:)

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    6. Lov bitter gourd,...nice and new recipe..looks gr8 with nice clicks

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    7. Good Idea for those who don like bitter guard.Like my husband.Will try on him.

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    8. Dear Lassie
      Awesome, I cant imagine if a dish like this is possible..Lekin tum to tum ho,,,innovation koi tumse sikhe...
      Jokes apaert , it is very nice , I will make it as i like bitter gaurd in its all avatars. If you want to spoil the taste of chicken or karela , try my chicken karela kebab , you will love it
      Have a nice week
      ushnishda

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    9. Hi Cool Lassi(e),
      first time here.. unique recipe... what a thought to include karela in burger!
      cheers,

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    10. Very unique and interesting patties...the sandwich looks too good...I love trying varieties with bittergourd...this one is a keeper :)..btw the apple rasam was indeed a hit, actually my hubby even had it as a soup :)

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    11. Thats a healthy, yumm and a great looking dish!

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    12. Mmmm thats cute and unique pattie.. with my fav pattie.. sure will try this ...

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    13. Bittergourd that too in a burger is a very unique recipe.Burgers look delicious.
      Deepa

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    14. wow, such a nice and unique use of bittergourd! i have never come to like this veggie, but i might just go in favor of it if presented as this delicious patty :)

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    15. Wow!!I am totally out of words..Very innovative!

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    16. Oh these sliders look delicious! These would be perfect for lunch!

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    17. Hello darling thanks so much for visiting my cottage and for the kind comment you left behind, much appreciated. Luv, your blog is bursting at the seams with delicious recipes and photos. I am delighted that our blogs crossed, now I have a lovely world to visit on daily basis.

      Love & Hugs
      Duchess

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    18. very innovative dish...my hubby likes bittergourd a lot...but i dont like...this one looks fabulous...will try for it soon...

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    19. very interesting one... i am in "many failed to acquire" group... but this looks good maybe i can give this a try...

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    20. That is very filling & delicious..... U have made them well presented well & captured them well too..... AWESOME DELIGHTFUL SAVORY!!!!

      Ash....
      (http://asha-oceanichope.blogspot.com/)

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    21. that's a really amazing combinaion, unique and healthy!!

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    22. Omg, wat a unique and beautiful patties...yummm!

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    23. Wow this is completely new to me, must try! Very creative!

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    24. What a great way to eat karela. I have to try this!

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    25. Wow, thats kool..buddy. Totally new way to have bitter gourds, its so boring to make curry and subzi...I must sure try this, very tempting pictures, infact.

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    26. une belle association épicé au curry
      ça doit être bon j'adore le curry
      bonne journée

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    27. Loved the recipe thought I'm not a bittergourd fan! Hey, nice background song! Ennai Konjum Matri! ;)

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    28. Delicious and innovative recipe!! such a nice way of incorporating bitter gourd it into diet without the hassle of preparing of curry etc..love it:)

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    29. wow very innovative one...never tried patty wid bittergourd...nvr hv thought of...vl try now

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    30. wow very innovative dish...never ever thought of bittergourd patty, vl try soon

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    31. Thanks for sharing!!, what a innovative idea, and of course great clicks too!!

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    32. Who would have thought of bitter gourd in a hors d'oeuvre,thanks so much for your creative entry :D

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    33. Dear lasie
      I was wondering , how come I missed this one !!! Hummm I was in Milano , busy boiling some pasta all the time ...
      take care
      ushnishda

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    Thanks a bunch for your valuable comments and continued support.They are very much appreciated. Yes,like "Rain on Dry Land" and like "Oasis in Desert Sand".
    XoXo, Cool Lassi(e)