In Indian cuisine, the bitter gourd, or karela, is a vegetable often disliked due to its bitter taste. However, when cooked slowly with spices, this very karela offers a flavor experience that is hard to forget. Especially when we talk about stuffed karela (bharwan karela), its taste surprises everyone. This is a traditional North Indian recipe, which is not only delicious but also considered beneficial for digestion.
Stuffed Bitter Gourd: A Fusion of Taste and Health
Bitter gourd is generally not liked because of its bitter taste, but the bitterness is reduced, and the taste is remarkably changed by using the right spices and slow cooking methods. Stuffed karela is particularly favored by those who like spicy and Desi flavors.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- Bitter Gourd - 500 grams
- Bitter Gourd Peel - 1 bowl
- Finely Chopped Onion - 1 large
- Salt - To taste
- Red Chili Powder - To taste
- Turmeric Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Garam Masala - 1/2 teaspoon
- Amchur Powder (Dry Mango Powder) - 1/2 teaspoon
- Fennel Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin Seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
- Fenugreek Seeds - 1/4 teaspoon
- Mustard Oil - 1 ladle (for the masala), 3-4 ladles (for frying)
Method
1. Preparing the Bitter Gourd
First, wash the bitter gourds thoroughly. Then, peel them and set the peels aside in a bowl. After that, make a lengthwise slit in each gourd and remove the seeds.
Tip: If the bitter gourd is very bitter, apply a little salt and set it aside for 20 minutes, then wash it. This reduces the bitterness.
2. Preparing the Masala
Now, heat 1 ladle of mustard oil in a pan. Sputter cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek seeds in it. Then add the bitter gourd peels and finely chopped onion and sauté well.
Then add turmeric, red chili powder, amchur powder, salt, and garam masala. Sauté this whole mixture on a low flame until it becomes fragrant. Then let this masala cool down.
3. Stuffing the Bitter Gourd
Fill the cooled masala into each bitter gourd one by one. After filling, tie the bitter gourd gently with a thread so that the masala does not come out while cooking.
4. Frying the Bitter Gourd
Now, add 3-4 ladles of mustard oil in a deep pan and heat it well. Then add the stuffed bitter gourds and cook on a low flame, covered. Turn them over every now and then so that the bitter gourd becomes golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Some Important Suggestions
- Mustard oil gives stuffed karela a Desi flavor, but you can also use any other oil if you wish.
- You can add peanuts or roasted desiccated coconut to the masala to enhance the flavor.
- If you want to make it without oil, the bitter gourd can also be baked in the oven.
Stuffed karela is a traditional Indian recipe that is made in a different style in every household. Its taste is as special as its aroma and crispy texture. If you also shy away from eating bitter gourd, then try it once in this stuffed style. It might become one of your favorite vegetables.
