Bharwa Karela (Stuffed Bitter Gourd)
Description:
Bharwa Karela is a flavorful Punjabi side dish, where bitter gourds (Karela) are stuffed with a blend of spices and cooked until tender. The tangy mango pickle and dry masalas reduce the bitterness, making it a delicious and spicy accompaniment for Dal, Rice, and Roti. The spices and tang from the achar make this a must-try dish for anyone looking to enjoy a unique and mouthwatering vegetable preparation.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 5 Karela (Bitter Gourd/Pavakkai)
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder (Dhania)
- 1 teaspoon Mango pickle
- Cotton threads, to tie and secure the gourds
- Oil, for deep frying
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Karela:
Peel the karelas and rinse them with a mixture of salt and turmeric to help remove the bitterness. Let them rest for about 15-20 minutes. -
Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, mango pickle, finely chopped onion, and salt. Mix thoroughly to form a well-blended spice paste. -
Stuff the Karelas:
Make a vertical slit in each Karela, and carefully stuff them with the prepared spicy filling. Once stuffed, wrap the Karela securely with cotton thread to close the slit. -
Fry the Karelas:
Heat oil in a kadhai (deep frying pan). Once the oil is hot, gently drop the stuffed karelas into the oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. -
Drain the Oil:
Remove the fried karelas from the oil and place them on a tissue paper to drain any excess oil. -
Serve:
Remove the cotton threads before serving. Enjoy the Bharwa Karela with Punjabi Dal Tadka and Boondi Raita for a complete meal.
Enjoy this traditional Punjabi dish, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your dinner!
