Masala bharwan karela - Stuffed bitter gourd

I know not many people are fan of bitter guard, the reason is obvious… it has a strong bitter taste that many people don’t like. We would make karela stir fries, stuff them or make chips.

This recipe of bharwan karela is very easy to prepare and just some onions and our regular Indian spice powders are required.

INGREDIENTS:

10-12 small bitter gourd
¾ tsp turmeric powder
¾ tsp red chili powder
¼ tsp garam masala
1 tsp dry mango powder
1 tsp fennel powder
2 medium sized onions
3 tbsp oil
Salt as required

METHOD:

1. Rinse and peel the karela.
2. Put it in pressure cooker and let it boil.
3. After 1 whistles on high flame, switch OFF the stove. Do not open the lid of the cooker till it has pressure in it. Put it in running water flow. All steam will be cooled.
4. Get the boiled karela and make a half cut for each karela.
5. Remove the seeds and pith with your hands or scrape with a small spoon.
6. Mix all the dry spice powders with salt, onion and removed seeds and pith.
7. Blend it and fry this mixture for 4 minutes with 1 tsp oil in low flame.
8. Stuff the spice powder mix in the karela.
9. Heat the oil and fry the karela in the oil till they are browned and cooked.

Serve bharwan karela garnished with chopped coriander leaves.
Bharwan karela is best had with some rotis, phulkas or as a side vegetable dish with dal-rice.