Bharwan Karela
Bharwan Karela, also known as Stuffed Bitter Gourd, is a traditional Indian dish that combines the unique bitterness of karela (bitter gourd) with a spicy and tangy stuffing. This dish is particularly popular in North Indian cuisine and is cherished for its health benefits and distinctive taste. The karela is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spices and cooked until tender, making it a perfect accompaniment to Indian breads like roti or paratha.
Despite its reputation for bitterness, Bharwan Karela can be incredibly delicious when prepared correctly. The stuffing usually consists of a blend of onions, spices, and sometimes gram flour (besan), which helps to balance out the bitter flavor. This dish not only brings variety to your meal but also provides numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion and controlling blood sugar levels.
Ingredients Required for Making Bharwan Karela
- Bitter Gourd (करेला) – 6 medium-sized
- Onion (प्याज) – 2 large, finely chopped
- Gram Flour (बेसन) – 1/4 cup
- Coriander Powder (धनिया पाउडर) – 2 teaspoons
- Cumin Powder (जीरा पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Fennel Seeds (सौंफ) – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder (हल्दी पाउडर) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Amchur Powder (अमचूर पाउडर) – 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala (गरम मसाला) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt (नमक) – to taste
- Oil (तेल) – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh Coriander (ताजा धनिया) – for garnish
The Step-wise Process of Cooking Bharwan Karela
- Preparing the Karela:
- Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly. Scrape the outer skin lightly and make a slit lengthwise on each karela. Do not cut through completely.
- Carefully remove the seeds and inner flesh using a spoon. Sprinkle some salt inside and outside the karelas and let them sit for about 30 minutes to reduce bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
- Preparing the Stuffing:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add fennel seeds and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add gram flour (besan) and roast it for a few minutes until it turns golden and fragrant.
- Add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, amchur powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Stuffing the Karela:
- Fill each karela with the prepared stuffing, pressing it in firmly. Secure the karelas with a thread or toothpick if needed to prevent the stuffing from falling out.
- Cooking the Stuffed Karela:
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a wide pan. Place the stuffed karelas in the pan and cook on low heat.
- Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook until the karelas are tender and slightly crispy on the outside.
Number of Servings
- This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time Required to Make Bharwan Karela
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes for salting the karela)
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Important Points to Keep in Mind While Making the Dish
- Salting the karela and letting it sit helps reduce the bitterness, but this step can be skipped if you prefer the natural bitter taste.
- Ensure the stuffing is well-cooked and dry to avoid it becoming mushy inside the karela.
- Cook the karelas on low heat to ensure they become tender without burning the stuffing.
How to Serve the Bharwan Karela
Serve Bharwan Karela hot, garnished with fresh coriander. It pairs beautifully with Indian breads like roti, paratha, or naan. You can also serve it with steamed rice and a simple dal for a wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
Bharwan Karela is a unique and flavorful dish that showcases the versatility of bitter gourd. With its balanced spices and delicious stuffing, it can turn even bitter gourd skeptics into fans. Enjoy making and serving this traditional dish, and delight in its health benefits and complex flavors.
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