Stuffed Bitter Gourd / Bharwan Karela

Bitter Gourd or karela is basically a summer vegetable. It derives its name from its peculiar bitter taste which is because of quinine present in it. Bitter Gourd has many health benefits like weight loss, blood purification, liver cleansing etc..Its juice is very good for weight watchers. Stuffed bittergourd is very tasty and has very different taste. It is savoured as a side dish. Here I am sharing the recipe with pictures..



Ingredients:

Bitter Gourd/ Karela - 6-7
Onion - 2
Ginger and Garlic paste - 2 tbs
Salt to taste
Garam Masala - 1/2 tbs
Turmeric powder - 2 tbs
Fennel (Saunf) powder - 1/2 tbs
Coriander powder - 1/2 tbs
Amchoor powder - 3tbs
Mustard oil - For shallow frying



Method:

Wash and Scrap the rough edges of bitter gourd and keep aside. Now make a slit lengthwise leaving the ends and scoop out the hard seeds from inside.



Smear salt and turmeric on the bittergourds and the peelings and let it rest for 30 minutes. After then, wash them properly.This process helps to remove bitterness from the gourd.

Take the onions and grate them.



In a frying pan, heat 10 tbs of mustard oil. Add ginger garlic paste and after a  minute add grated onion and saute for 5 minutes.



Now add gourd peelings to it and fry it for approx 20 minutes.



When it turns light golden brown add 1/2 tbs turmeric powder, 1 tbs coriander powder, 3-4 tbs amchoor powder, 1/2 tbs fennel ( saunf) powder and 1/2 tbs garam masala and salt to taste. Mix it properly and taste it for right masalas.



Now, stuff this mixture one by one in slit bitter gourds. don't overstuff it. To avoid the mixture to come out you may tie thread around it.

Take a shallow frying pan. Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and place the stuffed karela in it and let it cook.

After every 5 minutes keep turning them lightly so that they get cooked evenly. cook on medium flame. it takes about 20- 30 minutes to cook.

Check by pricking them. Stuffed Bittergourd or our famous Bharwan karela is ready..

Hope you liked it..