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Bharwa Karela / Stuffed Bitter Gourd
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4.91 from 11 votes

How To Make Bharwa Karela, Stuffed Karela Recipe +video

Bitter gourds stuffed with raw mangoes and Indian spices.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: bharwa karela, stuffed karela recipe
Servings: 5 people
Author: Anjana Chaturvedi

Ingredients

  • 500 grams Bitter Gourd / Karela
  • 3/4 cup Raw Mango / Kachcha Aam grated
  • 3 tbsp Fennel Seeds / Saunf coarsely grated / moti pisi huee
  • 2.5 tbsp Coriander Powder / Dhaniya Powder
  • 1.5 tbsp Red Chilli powder / Laal mirch powder
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder / Haldi Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Sugar / Chini
  • 5 tbsp Cooking Oil
  • To Taste Salt / Namak

Instructions

  • Lightly scrape the bitter gourds on the outside and slit it length wise from the center keeping the base intact.
  • Now generously apply salt inside and outside of bitter gourds .
  • Collect the peels in a bowl and apply salt (use of peels is optional but I prefer to use peel in the stuffing). Then keep aside for minimum of 30 minutes..
  • Now wash the karela and peels 2-3 times with enough water and squeeze properly.
  • If you are in a hurry then boil them in slightly salted water for 3 - 4 minutes, drain and squeeze well.
  • Take a bowl add all the spices,washed and squeezed peels and 2 tsp oil and mix it well.
  • Stuff the masala mix in all the bitter gourds, and press the masala mix tightly with your thumb so it will not come out while cooking.
  • If you still have some masala mix left, then slice the potatoes in thick roundels, slit them from the center to make pockets and stuff the masala in it, or stuff the masala mix in some thick green chilies.
  • Heat about 5 tbsp oil in a thick bottom pan, and add a pinch of turmeric then add place stuffed bitter gourds (and potatoes and chillies if any) in the pan.
  • Cover the pan and cook on slow flame. Keep turning the sides occasionally, so they can cook from all the sides. (It will take a minimum 15- 20 minutes to cook properly)
  • When done take out in a bowl and serve.
  • It will remain fresh for minimum 3 days at room temperature.

Notes

Serving suggestions - Can be served as a side dish with any meal and great as a travel food.
Shelf life - Stays fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature and for minimum 10 days in refrigerator