Bharwa Karela Recipe | Stuffed Bitter Gourd Recipe
Bharwa Karela is a traditional North Indian dish made by stuffing bitter gourds (karela) with a flavorsome blend of spices and herbs. The bitterness of the gourd is carefully balanced with tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, resulting in a mouth-watering delicacy. The process of making Bharwa Karela involves scraping and hollowing out the gourd, marinating it in salt to reduce its bitterness, and then stuffing it with a delightful mixture of spices, onions, and sometimes grated coconut or paneer. The stuffed karela is then shallow-fried or steamed to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and create a symphony of taste and texture.
Ingredients
- 4 karela / Bitter Gourd karela
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 1 Onions finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/2 tsp aamchur / dry mango powder mango powder or 1 tsp tamarind paste
- Salt to taste
- coriander leaves / cilantro chopped (for garnishing)
Instructions
Pre-Cooking Preparation:
- Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Using a peeler or knife, gently scrape off the rough skin of the gourds.
- Make a vertical slit in each gourd, keeping the base intact, and remove the seeds using a spoon.
- Rub salt on the inner and outer surface of the gourds and set aside for 20-30 minutes to reduce bitterness. Rinse them thoroughly under running water and pat dry.
Cooking Steps:
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and amchur or tamarind paste. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Add salt to taste and cook the spice mixture until it becomes fragrant and oil starts to separate. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Stuff the prepared bitter gourds with the spice mixture, ensuring they are filled well but not overflowing.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed bitter gourds in the pan and cook on low heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the bitter gourds become tender and slightly browned. Ensure they don't overcook or become mushy.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or rice.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Tong
- A serving dish to present the final dish
Notes & Tips
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of sugar or jaggery to balance the bitterness.
- For a healthier version, you can steam the stuffed bitter gourds instead of frying them.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
Nutrition Facts
Bharwa Karela Recipe | Stuffed Bitter Gourd Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
99
% Daily Value*
Fat
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Sodium
16
mg
1
%
Potassium
353
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
8
g
3
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
593
IU
12
%
Vitamin B1
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
1
mg
5
%
Vitamin B5
0.2
mg
2
%
Vitamin B6
0.1
mg
5
%
Vitamin C
80
mg
97
%
Vitamin E
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
6
µg
6
%
Calcium
35
mg
4
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
Magnesium
24
mg
6
%
Zinc
1
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.