Stuffed Karela Makhani – Bitter Gourd in Creamy Spiced Gravy

Bharwa Karela Makhani – Stuffed Bitter Gourd in Spiced Tomato Gravy

Description:
Bharwa Karela Makhani is a delicious North Indian dish made with bitter gourd (karela) stuffed with a flavorful filling of mashed potatoes, paneer, and fresh herbs. It is then cooked in a rich, spiced tomato gravy and finished with a touch of cream to add creaminess. This dish is diabetic-friendly, offering a unique balance of flavors – the bitterness of karela is beautifully mellowed out by the stuffing and the creamy gravy. Serve it with ragi tawa paratha or a simple salad to create a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3

Instructions

For the Stuffed Karela (Bitter Gourd):

1. Begin by washing the karela thoroughly. Lightly peel the skin, leaving some of the green intact for health benefits. Cut each karela into three equal pieces horizontally.
2. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the seeds and flesh from inside, leaving behind hollow cylinders.
3. In a pressure cooker, add the karela pieces and pour in two tablespoons of water. Cook them on a medium flame for one whistle. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
4. Drain any excess water, then transfer the karela pieces to a bowl and set aside.

For the Stuffing:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated paneer, mashed potatoes, salt, black pepper powder, chopped coriander, and mint leaves. Mix everything thoroughly to form a smooth stuffing mixture.
2. Generously stuff this mixture into the hollow karela pieces, ensuring that the stuffing fills the entire cavity.

For Cooking the Stuffed Karela:

1. Heat one teaspoon of sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed karela pieces in the pan.
2. Cook the karela, turning them occasionally, until they are lightly roasted and golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once roasted, turn off the flame and set the karela aside.

For the Makhani Gravy:

1. In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining teaspoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped ginger and garlic, sautéing for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn a light golden brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped green chili and homemade tomato puree. Cover the pan and let the mixture cook for 5 minutes.
4. Once the tomatoes have softened, open the lid and add the dry spices – red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well and bring the gravy to a single boil.
5. Turn down the heat and stir in the fresh cream. Let it blend well into the gravy, then turn off the flame.

Assembling the Dish:

1. On a serving plate, arrange the stuffed karela pieces.
2. Pour the hot makhani gravy over the stuffed karela, ensuring they are well covered.
3. Serve the Bharwa Karela Makhani hot, ideally paired with ragi tawa paratha, beetroot raita, and a fresh kala chana salad with carrots, cucumber, and tomatoes.

Tips for the Perfect Bharwa Karela Makhani:

• Peeling the Karela: When peeling the karela, try to leave some of the skin intact. The skin of karela is nutritious and provides a slightly bitter taste that adds depth to the dish.
• Reducing the Bitterness: Some people prefer to salt the karela after scraping out the seeds and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to draw out the bitterness. Afterward, rinse the karela well before stuffing them.
• Creamy Gravy: The fresh cream adds a rich, smooth texture to the tomato gravy, balancing out the flavors. You can also add a little more cream if you like a richer taste.
• Substitutions: If you’re looking to cut down on calories or fat, you can substitute paneer with tofu for a lighter option. Additionally, using olive oil or ghee instead of sunflower oil will give the dish a different but equally delicious flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Conclusion:

Bharwa Karela Makhani is a rich and flavorful North Indian dish that combines the bitterness of karela with the smoothness of paneer and potatoes, all enveloped in a creamy, spiced gravy. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a healthy, diabetic-friendly meal that’s full of taste and tradition. This dish, when paired with whole grain or low-carb sides, makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Enjoy this deliciously unique recipe, ideal for special occasions or a comforting weekday dinner!