Sauteed caraili, or bitter melon, is a common side dish in Trinidad. This fruit that originated in South Asia is one of many examples of the heavy East Indian influence on the food and culture of the island. The shallot, ginger, Scotch bonnet pepper, and lemon all help to balance the bitterness, but make no mistake, the fruit lives up to its name regardless. It is assertively bitter. It’s also a nutrient-dense food, particularly high in vitamins A and C, and is thought to help reduce blood sugar levels.
