1 December, 2023
Stuffed Bitter Gourd Recipe | Bharwa Karela
Stuffed Bitter Gourd Recipe. Bharwa Karela Recipe.
Bitter Gourd, commonly known as Karela, often carries a reputation for its bitter taste. However, contrary to popular belief, a well-prepared Stuffed Bitter Gourd (Bharwa Karela) dish can surprise taste buds with its delightful savory and spicy flavors. Let’s explore this unique recipe by my mom that transforms this nutritious vegetable into a delectable treat.
Bitter gourd, despite its intense bitterness, offers a myriad of health benefits. It’s a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When it is cooked correctly, bitter gourd becomes a tasty addition to any meal. The stuffing mixture infuses the dish with a delightful blend of spices.
Note: You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference for this Stuffed Karela or Bharwa Karela Recipe.
Stuffed Bitter Gourd Recipe. Bharwa Karela Recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
| 8-9 Bitter Gourds (Karela) |
| Fistful Salt (to remove bitterness) |
| 2-3 Large Onions (Chopped) |
| 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder |
| Salt to Taste |
| 2 tsp Turmeric Powder |
| 1 tsp Coriander Powder |
| 1½ tsp Dried Mango Powder (Amchoor) |
| Mustard Oil (for frying) |
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preparing Raw Bitter Gourds (Karela):
- Begin by peeling all the bitter gourds.
- Slit each bitter gourd lengthwise, keeping one side intact.
- Carefully remove the seeds from the bitter gourds, making a cavity or hollow space for stuffing. Keep the removed seeds aside for later use in the stuffing mixture.
- Coat all the bitter gourds with salt, both inside and outside. Coat the removed seeds too with salt.
- Leave them under the sun for 1 to 2 hours, as this helps reduce their bitterness.
- After bitter gourds have rested, rinse the bitter gourds thoroughly under running water and squeeze out excess water.
- Pat dry the bitter gourds using a paper towel and set aside.
2. Stuffing Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped onions, red chilli powder, salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, dried mango powder. Combine everything well to create the stuffing mixture.
- Add the removed seeds to this mixture. It adds a little crunch to the dish. Mix well.
- Stuff each bitter gourd with the prepared stuffing mixture, ensuring they are evenly filled.
- Tie the stuffed bitter gourds with threads before frying. It prevents the stuffing from spilling out while frying, preserving the flavors within. Additionally, it helps maintain the shape of the gourds during the frying process, ensuring even cooking.
3. Frying Stuffed Bitter Gourds:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat for frying.
- Carefully place the stuffed bitter gourds in the pan. Fry until tender and golden brown in color. The frying process, when done right, imparts a delightful crispiness to the outer layer while retaining the tenderness inside.
- Gently flip the bitter gourds. Keep turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked thoroughly, remove the stuffed bitter gourds from the pan and place them on a serving dish.
- Carefully remove the threads from the bitter gourds before serving.
- Serve hot with chapatis as a delicious and flavorful side dish.
