Bharwa Karela Masala Recipe – A Perfect Blend of Bitter and Spicy Flavors
Introduction:
Bharwa Karela Masala, also known as Stuffed Bitter Gourd, is an incredibly flavorful and wholesome dish from the Indian cuisine. This unique recipe takes the typically bitter taste of karela (bitter gourd) and transforms it into a delightful culinary experience with a blend of aromatic spices and peanuts roasted in oil. The bitterness of the karela is toned down by a variety of ingredients, making it more palatable, even for those who are not fond of bitter gourd.
Traditionally, Bharwa Karela Masala is served with rice or akki roti (rice flour flatbread) and is a popular choice for a satisfying vegetarian lunch. The dish is packed with numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion and boosting immunity, thanks to the nutritional properties of bitter gourd. Despite its numerous advantages, the strong bitter taste of the karela can make it challenging to consume, especially for children and some adults. This recipe, however, masks that bitterness by combining it with a rich and flavorful stuffing, which is then cooked in a spicy gravy to create a harmonious and mouthwatering dish.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for making Bharwa Karela Masala:
For the Karela (Bitter Gourd):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Karela (Bitter Gourd / Pavakkai) | 2 pieces |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
For the Stuffing & Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | ½ cup |
| Fresh Coconut (grated & roasted) | ½ cup |
| Garlic Cloves | 6 cloves |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Jaggery | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Oil | 3 teaspoons |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Karela (Bitter Gourd)
- Begin by washing the karela thoroughly. Use a knife or a grater to scrape the outer surface of the bitter gourd, which helps to reduce some of its bitterness.
- Cut the karela into 2-inch pieces, and remove the seeds from the center.
- Sprinkle salt on the pieces of karela and set them aside for about 10 minutes. This will allow the vegetable to release some of its bitter juice.
- After 10 minutes, you will notice that the karela has released water. Squeeze out the excess water and rinse the pieces under cold water. This step helps to reduce the bitterness significantly.
- Slice the karela halfway through to create a pocket for stuffing. Set aside.
Step 2: Boil the Karela
- In a saucepan, bring some water to a boil. Add the karela pieces to the boiling water and cook until the skin turns tender, but avoid overcooking as the karela needs to retain its shape.
- Once cooked, drain the hot water and allow the karela pieces to cool down to a manageable temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
- Dry roast the raw peanuts in a pan until they turn slightly brown. Reserve half of the roasted peanuts for the stuffing, and set the other half aside for the gravy.
- In the same pan, heat a little oil and add cumin seeds. Allow them to fry until they turn slightly brown.
- Add garlic cloves and fry them until they become golden brown.
- In a mixer, combine the roasted peanuts, grated coconut, garlic, cumin seeds, jaggery, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Grind them into a coarse mixture without adding water.
- Add a teaspoon of oil to the ground mixture and mix it well. This will help bind the stuffing ingredients together.
Step 4: Stuff the Karela
- Take the prepared karela pieces and stuff them generously with the prepared spice mixture. Ensure the stuffing is packed well inside the karela.
- Once all the karela pieces are stuffed, set them aside.
Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Karela
- Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed karela pieces in the pan and fry them until the outer skin turns golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides.
Step 6: Prepare the Gravy
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil and add the remaining ground masala (from the stuffing). Sauté for a few minutes to release the flavors.
- Add 1-½ cups of water and stir well. Allow the gravy to cook and thicken slightly.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a little extra tamarind paste to the gravy.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook the gravy over medium flame until it reduces and the flavors are absorbed.
- Adjust the salt as needed and remove from the flame.
Step 7: Final Assembly
- Once the gravy has thickened, pour it over the stuffed karela in the frying pan and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander, alongside phulka (Indian flatbread) or masala khichia (crispy snack).
Serving Suggestions:
Bharwa Karela Masala pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian side dishes. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Dhaba Style Dal Fry, a warm Phulka, and crispy Masala Khichia. The combination of the stuffed, spiced bitter gourd with the rich gravy creates a deliciously balanced dish that will satisfy your taste buds and provide numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd:
Bitter gourd is known for its many health advantages, including its ability to help lower blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and support weight loss. It is also rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. The addition of peanuts and coconut in this recipe makes it a source of healthy fats and proteins, adding more nutritional value to this dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Tips for Making Bharwa Karela Masala:
- Adjust the level of spiciness and tanginess based on your personal preference by modifying the amount of chili powder and tamarind paste in the recipe.
- To reduce the bitterness further, you can leave the karela slices salted for longer before rinsing them.
- Ensure not to overstuff the karela, as the spice mixture should fill the gourd comfortably but not spill out during cooking.
Enjoy this comforting and health-boosting Bharwa Karela Masala with your family and friends for a satisfying, flavorful, and nutritious meal.
