Bharwa Karela with Sweet Potato Filling Recipe
Bharwa Karela with Sweet Potato Filling is an exquisite Indian dish that brings together the earthy bitterness of karela (bitter gourd) with the sweet, spiced goodness of mashed sweet potato. The stuffed karela is pan-fried to perfection, making it a delightful accompaniment to Dal, Rice, and Roti. A perfect choice for those who appreciate the balance of flavors in vegetarian Indian cuisine, this recipe combines tangy, spicy, and subtly sweet elements, creating a dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Karela (Bitter Gourd/ Pavakkai) | 5 Karela |
| Sweet Potatoes | 2, boiled |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 3, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons (or more for cooking) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Instructions
-
Prep the Karela (Bitter Gourd):
Begin by lightly peeling the skin of the karelas. Cut them into 1-inch cylindrical pieces. Scoop out the seeds and pulp carefully, as this will make space for the sweet potato filling. Sprinkle the karelas with salt and turmeric powder to help remove some of their bitterness. Let the karelas rest for 20-25 minutes. -
-
Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling:
Pressure cook the boiled sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water for about 3 whistles. Once the pressure naturally releases, allow the sweet potatoes to cool. Peel off the skin and either grate or mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. -
Cook the Masala for the Filling:
Heat a skillet or pan with mustard oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped ginger and sauté for a few seconds until it softens. Next, add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and allow the tomatoes to cook until they soften and turn mushy. -
Add the Spices:
Once the tomatoes have cooked, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and chaat masala. Mix everything well, allowing the spices to infuse the masala. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring all the flavors come together. Taste the masala and adjust the seasoning to your preference. -
Stuff the Karela:
Once the sweet potato masala is ready, begin stuffing the karelas with the mixture. Fill each piece tightly, making sure the masala stays in place. -
Pan-Fry the Bharwa Karela:
Heat a wide pan with mustard oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the stuffed karelas into the pan and fry them until they are cooked and browned. Keep turning them occasionally so that they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown color. -
Final Cooking Step:
Once the karelas are cooked, cover the pan to let them steam for a few minutes, which will help soften them further and allow the flavors to deepen. Optionally, you can sprinkle a little extra chaat masala for added tanginess. -
Serve:
Serve your Bharwa Karela with Sweet Potato Filling hot, ideally with Panchmel Dal and Phulka for a wholesome meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Bharwa Karela:
- Balancing the Bitterness: If you find karela too bitter, you can soak it in salted water for a longer period to extract more bitterness before cooking.
- Sweet Potato Texture: For a smoother filling, mash the sweet potato thoroughly. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can lightly mash it or leave some small bits.
- Oil for Frying: Use mustard oil for an authentic flavor, but if unavailable, any other oil can be used for frying.
- Customizing Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices and seasoning to match your preferred taste. Add more chilies for heat or extra garam masala for richness.
Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious Bharwa Karela with Sweet Potato Filling as a perfect start to your meal, or as an appetizer that will surely delight your guests!
