Stuffed Bitter Gourd (Bharwa Karela)

Name: Stuffed Bitter Gourd (Bharwa Karela)
Total time: 1800 s
Yield: 2 serves
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 6 big bitter gourd (12–15 pieces); For Stuffing....; 1 tbsp salt to rub on karela pieces; 1/3 cup peanuts; 1/3 cup desiccated coconut; 1 tbsp whole coriander; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 1 tbsp fennel seeds; 1 tbsp cumin seeds; 2 tbsp mustard oil; 1 tbsp coriander powder; 1 tsp chilli powder; 1 tsp chaat masala; 1 tsp kitchen king masala; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp tamarind chutney; 2 tbsp jaggery; 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander; 1 tbsp oil (for tossing the stuffed bitter gourd); 3-4 Fulka Roti to serve

Sangita Vyas @Sangit

Kenya

#CA26
#week3
#Karela
Karela, also known as bitter gourd, is one of the most nutritious vegetables in traditional Indian cooking. Though it has a naturally bitter taste, it is highly valued for its health benefits and its ability to balance flavours beautifully when prepared thoughtfully.
Stuffed Karela transforms this humble vegetable into a delicious delicacy. The gourds are carefully prepared, lightly steamed, and then stuffed with a rich, aromatic filling made from roasted peanuts, coconut, seeds, and a blend of spices with a hint of tanginess and sweetness from tamarind and jaggery. Once cooked, the bitterness mellows, and the dish becomes a perfect harmony of bold and comforting flavours.

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Ingredients

30 minutes

2 serves

6big bitter gourd (12–15 pieces)
For Stuffing....
1 tbspsalt to rub on karela pieces
1/3 cuppeanuts
1/3 cupdesiccated coconut
1 tbspwhole coriander
1 tbspsesame seeds
1 tbspfennel seeds
1 tbspcumin seeds
2 tbspmustard oil
1 tbspcoriander powder
1 tspchilli powder
1 tspchaat masala
1 tspkitchen king masala
1 tspsalt
2 tbsptamarind chutney
2 tbspjaggery
2 tbspfreshly chopped coriander
1 tbspoil (for tossing the stuffed bitter gourd)
3-4Fulka Roti to serve

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Steps

30 minutes

1

Wash, peel, and cut the bitter gourd into approximately 3-inch pieces. Remove the pulp with the help of a peeler. Now apply salt on each piece and leave it for 5–7 minutes.
2

In the meantime, make the stuffing masala. Take a pan and add peanuts, desiccated coconut, whole coriander, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, and mustard oil. Roast everything until it turns aromatic. Switch off the gas and allow the mixture to cool completely.
3

After that, put everything in a mixie jar along with the karela pulp, other spices, tamarind chutney, and jaggery. Crush it coarsely. Transfer the stuffing to a plate.
4

Now, after resting the bitter gourd, steam them for 3 minutes to soften. Let them cool down completely. After that, gently but firmly stuff the prepared masala into each bitter gourd.
5

Finally, add oil to a pan and gently place the stuffed bitter gourds into it. Toss them slowly so they are evenly coated and lightly fried. Sprinkle the remaining masala along with fresh coriander over them. Let everything cook together for a minute or two. Your stuffed bitter gourds are now ready to serve.
6

Serving time: Transfer the stuffed bitter gourds to a serving dish and serve immediately with fulka roti or chapati. Enjoy your delicious Bharwa Karela!

Tips

1) Always salt the karela and rest it well to reduce bitterness before cooking.
2) Steam the gourds lightly so they become soft and easy to stuff without breaking.
3) Roast the stuffing ingredients on low heat to avoid burning and enhance aroma.
4) Adjust tamarind and jaggery to balance tanginess and sweetness according to taste.