Carillie: Nature’s powerhouse of nutrients, now starring in your kitchen

Related Articles

The complete guide to food gifts for the holidays

December 6, 2024

Cyber Monday 2024: Why Cask Cartel is your ultimate destination for premium spirits

December 1, 2024

Trinidad vs NYC: Which city has the best street food?

November 25, 2024

There are countless ways to prepare carillie or bitter melon, a delicious and nutritious fruit eaten as a vegetable known for its distinct bitter taste.

If you find the carillie too bitter, you can soak it in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking.

Here are a few popular recipes to get you started:

1. Classic Trini Fried Carillie

This simple yet flavourful dish is a Trinidadian staple. The carillie is fried until crispy, then simmered in a savoury onion and garlic sauce with spices like cumin, turmeric, and scotch bonnet peppers. You can serve it with roti, rice, or boiled provisions.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carillie
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the carillie thinly.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the carillie and cook until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the carillie from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
5. Add the cumin, turmeric, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook for another minute.
6. Add the water and season with salt and pepper.
7. Return the carillie to the pan and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until tender.
8. Serve hot over rice, roti, or with boiled provisions.

Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes

Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes is your kitchen guide to cooking in the Caribbean. Add flavour to your pot and put a smile on everyone’s faces with the right amount of seasonings, spices and stories about the foods you prepare. This cookbook contains 100 tantalising recipes and full colour photographs of home-cooked meals, street foods, treats and drinks that are known in the West Indies for having particular names, ingredients and preparations. The 10 sections are Breads, Fillings, Chutneys and Sauces, Soups, Main Dishes, Salads, Drinks, Desserts, Sweet Snacks and Savoury Snacks. • Kindle – US$4.99 • Paperback – US$29.91

2. Spicy Stir-fried Carillie with Shrimp

This quick and easy stir-fry is packed with flavour and protein. The carillie is stir-fried with shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and a spicy soy sauce glaze. It’s a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carillie
• 1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the carillie thinly.
2. Marinate the shrimp in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add the carillie and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
4. Remove the carillie from the pan and set aside.
5. Add a little more oil to the pan and stir-fry the shrimp until cooked through.
6. Add the bell peppers and onion and stir-fry for another minute.
7. Add the garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, and rice vinegar to the pan and bring to a simmer.
8. Return the carillie to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
9. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Sweet TnT Short Stories

ife in Trinidad and Tobago comes alive in the exciting, entertaining, comical, dramatic, thrilling, mysterious and suspenseful tales in Sweet TnT Short Stories. The novella consists of 34 fictional pieces written by authors from around the twin islands who share narratives with you under the sections Lifestyle, Superstition and Fauna. Created by Culturama Publishing Company, producer of Sweet TnT Magazine from San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, this book is one of the publications that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the publisher from 2009-2019. US$9.99

3. Carillie Curry with Coconut Milk

This fragrant and flavourful curry is a hearty and satisfying meal. The carillie is simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with aromatics like ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. You can serve it with rice, naan, or roti.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carillie
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry paste
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the carillie thinly.
2. Heat oil in a pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Add the ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves and cook for another minute.
4. Add the coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the carillie and season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the carillie is tender.
7. Serve hot over rice, naan, or roti.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to find your own favorite way to enjoy carillie. No matter how you prepare it

SKINNY BIRD®

weight loss program

• Helps curb appetite
• Balances blood sugar levels
• Helps control stress eating
• Caralluma, 5-HTP and Chromium
• 90 vegan capsules, 30 days

Order Here

4. Trini-Style Carillie Mother-in-Law

This version features crispy fried carillie simmered in a savoury onion, garlic, and tomato sauce with spices like cumin, turmeric, and scotch bonnet peppers. It’s traditionally served with roti or rice, but you can also enjoy it with boiled provisions or fried plantains.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carillie
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and thinly slice the carillie.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the carillie and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the carillie from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. In the same pan, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, turmeric, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and bring to a simmer.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
7. Add the chicken broth or water and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Return the carillie to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional) and serve hot over roti, rice, boiled provisions, or fried plantains.

5. Spicy Coconut Carillie Mother-in-Law

This version adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess with coconut milk and a hint of spice with ginger and scotch bonnet pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carillie
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry paste
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and thinly slice the carillie.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the carillie and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the carillie from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook for another minute.
6. Add the coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetable broth to the pan and bring to a simmer.
7. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
8. Return the carillie to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional) and serve hot over roti, rice, boiled provisions, or fried plantains.

Tips:

• For a milder flavour, remove the seeds from the scotch bonnet pepper before chopping.
• You can adjust the amount of spice to your own preference.
• If you don’t have curry paste, you can substitute with a mixture of ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, okra, or eggplant.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

We hope you enjoy these carillie mother-in-law recipes! They’re sure to become a new family favourite.

Just remember to cook with love and let the flavours speak for themselves!

Here are some additional tips for cooking carillie:

• Carillie can be cooked whole, sliced, or chopped. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.
• Carillie pairs well with many different spices, such as cumin, turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
• You can add other vegetables to your carillie dish, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and potatoes.
• Carillie can be served as a main course or side dish.

Carillie, also known as bitter melon or karela, is a tropical vine fruit that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s known for its bitter taste, but it’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants that may offer a variety of health benefits.

Three kitchen appliances in one pitcher

Ninja^® Foodi^® Power Blender Ultimate System with XL Smoothie Bowl Maker and Nutrient Extractor*

The Ninja^® Foodi^® Power Blender & Processor allows you to blend and power through the thickest ingredients at any speed. Crush, blend, food process, and mix dough all in one versatile pitcher.

Buy Now

Health benefits of carillie

Here are some of the potential health benefits of carillie:

• Blood sugar control: Carillie contains several compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels, including charantin and momordicin. These compounds appear to act similarly to insulin, helping your cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Some studies have shown that carillie may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Weight management: Carillie is low in calories and high in fibre, which can help you feel full and eat less. This may aid in weight management or weight loss.
• Digestive health: Carillie has traditionally been used to treat digestive problems such as constipation, indigestion, and bloating. It may also help to protect against stomach ulcers.
• Skin health: Carillie is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and skin health. It may also help to reduce inflammation and protect against skin damage.
• Antioxidant properties: Carillie is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This may reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

It’s important to note that most of the research on carillie’s health benefits is preliminary. More research is needed to confirm these benefits and to determine the safe and effective dosage for different conditions.

If you’re considering using carillie for its health benefits, it’s important to talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.

CBD Drink Mix

CBD drink mix is a water-soluble blend of cannabidiol, electrolytes, minerals, and flavorings in a powder form. NuLeaf Naturals’ CBD drink mix contains deep ocean minerals and is designed to hydrate your body quickly, and may also help relieve muscle fatigue due to regular exercise*. Since it’s made from CBD isolate, our organic CBD drink mix is THC-free.

Buy Now

Carillie leaves

Carillie leaves, just like the fruit itself, offer a surprising range of potential uses and health benefits. While less commonly consumed than the fruit, the leaves shouldn’t be overlooked as they pack their own nutritional punch and unique properties. Here are some of the ways carillie leaves can be used:

Culinary applications:

• Vegetable: In some regions, carillie leaves are enjoyed as a cooked green vegetable similar to spinach or kale. They can be boiled, stir-fried, or added to soups and stews. The taste is described as slightly bitter and earthy, similar to the fruit but milder.
• Seasoning: The leaves can be dried and ground into a powder, similar to bay leaves, to add a unique flavor and aroma to curries, soups, and stir-fries.
• Tea: Fresh or dried carillie leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a bitter tea with potential health benefits like blood sugar control and digestion aid.

Traditional medicine:

• Wound healing: Carillie leaves have been used traditionally to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation due to their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The leaves can be crushed and applied directly to wounds or used in poultices.
• Skin conditions: The leaves may be beneficial for treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Topical application of leaf extracts or pastes is common in traditional practices.
• Diabetes management: Some studies suggest carillie leaves may help regulate blood sugar levels, potentially aiding in diabetes management. Consumption of leaf tea or extracts is common in traditional practices.
• Digestive issues: Carillie leaves have been used traditionally to treat digestive problems like constipation, indigestion, and bloating. The leaves are believed to have laxative and stomach-soothing properties.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment and medication online

One in ten women in the U.S. struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).1 Speak with a top-rated physician online for a personalized consultation today, and get the right PCOS medication and treatment plan for your symptoms.*

Nutritional value:

• Carillie leaves are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
• They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Important precautions:

• While generally safe for most people, carillie leaves may interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult your doctor before using them if you take any medications.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid carillie leaves due to limited research on potential safety concerns.
• It’s best to start with small amounts of carillie leaves to assess your tolerance, as they can be slightly bitter and may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.

Traditional uses of carillie leaves lack extensive scientific evidence, and consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended before incorporating them into your diet or using them for medicinal purposes.

Overall, carillie is a healthy food that may offer a variety of potential health benefits. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using it to make sure it’s safe for you.

_________________________________

Every month in 2024 we will be giving away one PlayStation 5 Pro. To qualify join our Facebook group, TikTok and Subscribe to our Sweet TnT Magazine YouTube channel

When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn commission and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Recent Articles

• Singapore’s economic resilience: Surviving global economic crises
• 5 Must-see Caribbean festivals in 2025 for New Yorkers
• A comparative look at advertising in Trinidad and Tobago
• Why Dan Peña “hates” Warren Buffett: Contrasting titans of wealth
• The role of Singapore’s fintech scene in attracting global nomads

• Singapore’s economic resilience: Surviving global economic crises
• 5 Must-see Caribbean festivals in 2025 for New Yorkers
• A comparative look at advertising in Trinidad and Tobago
• Why Dan Peña “hates” Warren Buffett: Contrasting titans of wealth
• The role of Singapore’s fintech scene in attracting global nomads

You may also like:

Marijuana plants: What you need to know

Wonder of the World: A medicine cabinet in one plant

Vervain: 23 Uses, benefits and side effects of the incredible plant

Citronella grass and lemongrass: 4 main differences between the plants

Spinach: 17 Health benefits of the versatile leafy food

Phyllanthus niruri the kidney stones breaker in your backyard

Castor oil super plant: 10 home uses and benefits

Bacano leaves: Fight flu, build immune system, grow hair

Paw Paw: 15 Amazing uses and benefits of fruit and leaves

Cook plantain with 6 easy recipes

PMAX-4550 Multi Functional Smith Machine Training System

The Ritkeep Smith Cage Home Gym System – PMAX-4550 is an all-in-one home gym cage. This sturdy Smith Home Gym has an incredible amount of features suited for beginners and advanced users alike. The PMAX-4550 is an all-in-one Smith cage because it offers a ton of features, some only found in club gyms, such as a Smith Machine and cable crossovers. In addition, the multi-grip pull-up bar and detachable dip bars deliver body-weight workouts without the need for a separate power tower. This rack offers 10 adjustable heights, enabling users to optimize the height of cable crossover workouts to target chest muscles. Additionally, bar catch/safety catches enable additional exercises, such as presses and squats, and guarantee safe usage. For a more diversified workout routine, utilize the landmine attachment for exercises such as landmine squats and rows. The PMAX-4550 comes complete with a range of essential accessories, including a Lat Bar, Short Bar, T-bar, and D-Handles, allowing you to perform a wide array of exercises.