Stuffed Karela (Bharva Karela) Recipe – Bitter Gourd Indian Recipe

Karela (Bitter gourd) is a famous vegetable in South Asia. There are many varieties of karela recipes like stuffed karela, keema karela, karela sabzi, karela curry, grilled karela and many more. Our  stuffed karela recipe is easy to make and a very spicy karela recipe. Garnish by fresh chopped coriander leaves, sliced onions, cucumber slice, carrot sticks and serve with chapati or naan.

Ingredients

• 6 medium size karela
• 1 onion
• 1 tsp thinly chopped garlic
• 1 tsp thinly sliced ginger
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 3 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tsp mango powder
• Salt to taste
• Thread to wipe and tie
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 3 green chilies thinly chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander leaves
• Mustard oil

Method

Scrap the skin with a knife and cut a slit vertically in to the belly of the karela.

Rub the skin and the insides of the karela with salt. Set aside for 1-2 hours so that the bitter water will to come out due to salting, Squeeze out the water.

Heat oil in a pan, Add chopped onion, crushed fennel seeds, mustered seeds, salt, and saute for 2-3 minutes on a very low flame.

Add thinly sliced ginger, thinly chopped garlic and green chilies stir well for 1-2 minutes.

Now add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, mango powder (Amchoor powder) cumin powder, black pepper powder, and add 2 tbsp water fry for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Fill the belly of the karela with stuffing. Warp karela with thread so that the stuffing does not fall out.

In a pan put some mustard oil add 1/2 cup water and karela. Turn on heat as soon as the steam start to build, cover the pan with the lid, and turn the heat to medium low and cook about 4-5 minutes.

Turn over the karela, Cover and cook another 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, Garnish by fresh chopped coriander leaves, sliced onions, and sliced cucumber.

Delicious stuffed Karela (Bharva Karela) is ready to eat. Serve hot or cool in room temperature.