Friday 5 July 2013

Bharwa karela (Stuffed bitter gourd)

While there are various version of stuffed bitter gourd,  i usually end up making this version cuase its light and takes less time to cook.

So here is the recipe

For stuffing

Onion - 1 medium finely chopped
Ginger - 1/2 inch , chopped/ grated / paste
Tomato - 2 small size, finely chopped
Chaat masala / Amchoor powder - 1 teaspoon
Salt - per taste
Chilli powder - per taste
Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
Garam masala powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Cooking oil


To prep the karela, clean them thoroughly and make a slit length wise to open it up , scoop out the inside pulp & seed and keep aside for stuffing (discard if its mostly seed)

Rub some salt all over and inside these karelas and leave aside till you prep the stuffing - rubbing of salt takes out the bitterness and makes them slightly tender. Don't leave for more than 30 minutes else it be too soggy.


Now to the stuffing

Heat oil, add onion , saute for couple of minutes till it becomes slightly golden. Add the inside pulp from karela if using.
Add Tomatoes , further saute for couple of minutes.
Add chilli powder, turmeric, chaat masala and cover and cook for 3-4 minutes .
Since there is no water added be careful about the masala sticking to the pan or better still use a non stick pan.
Once all masala mixes well, add salt and remove from heat


Now clean karelas  carefully so all the salt is removed. Stuff this mix in the karela. If you are feeling a little 'gourmet' you can use a cotton thread to truss it else stuff tightly and roll over so the mixture does not spill.

Pour  a little bit oil on top and sprinkle garam masala. You can now cook this stuffed karela over stove in the pan or like me bake it oven for 30 mins. If using microwave use the convection setting 15 mins.




Best served as side dish for roti / naan/ paratha 






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