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Masala Bharwan Karela
Serves 4
45 mins
150 Kcal

Masala bharwan karela—the dish that gives bitter gourd a spicy, tangy makeover you'll fall in love with. Stuffed with a flavorful mix of masalas and slow-cooked to golden perfection, this karela is here to prove that even the bitter things in life can be delicious. Whether it's a special lunch or a side dish for your dinner spread, masala bharwan karela is a total game-changer. A classic masala bharwan karela recipe starts with karelas, prepped by scraping off the skin and hollowing out the insides. The star here is the stuffing a mix of roasted spices like cumin, fennel, and coriander, combined with onions, gram flour, tamarind, or a splash of lemon for a tangy kick. Pack the karelas with this spice mix, secure them with thread if needed, and cook them slowly in mustard oil until they're tender, crispy, and bursting with flavor. What makes masala bharwan karela so special? It's the way the bold spices and tangy filling balance the karela's bitterness, creating a dish that's packed with flavor and texture. Pair it with hot rotis, dal, or rice, and you've got a wholesome, delicious meal. Bold, comforting, and full of character, masala bharwan karela is the perfect addition to your food lineup. Ready to stuff, simmer, and savor?

Ingredients

  • 500 gms karela
  • 2 tbsp mustard oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 onion
  • 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp besan
  • Salt

Instructions

  • Get ready to upgrade your veggie game with this drool-worthy masala bharwan karela recipe a bitter gourd makeover that's packed with flavor and attitude. Let's do this!
  • Start with 500 grams of karela (aka bitter gourd).
  • Wash them thoroughly, pat them dry like they're about to hit the runway, then carefully slit each one lengthwise.
  • Scoop out those seeds to create a hollow it's stuffing time!
  • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the karela and let them hang out for 20 minutes.
  • This little trick is the secret to toning down that bitterness.
  • After their salt spa session, rinse them under water and gently squeeze to remove excess water.
  • Set them aside to chill.
  • Now, onto the stuffing. Heat up 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan until it's sizzling.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them crackle, followed by 1 finely chopped onion.
  • Saut until golden brown this is where the magic begins.
  • Add 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Cook it all together for 2 minutes to let the spices do their thing.
  • Next, toss in 2 tablespoons of gram flour (besan) and stir like your life depends on it.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until that raw smell says buh-bye. Turn off the heat and let this fragrant stuffing cool—it's the star of the show.
  • Stuff the hollow karela with the cooled mixture, packing it in like the flavor bomb it is.
  • Be generous, but not too overzealous—no spillage drama, please.
  • Heat 2 more tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan and arrange the stuffed karela like VIPs.
  • Cook on low heat, turning them occasionally so they get that perfect, golden-brown tan and are cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Serve these beauties hot with roti or paratha, and watch them disappear off the plate faster than you can say recipe of masala bharwan karela. This is karela, but make it gourmet!
Shop Ingredients
Coriander Powder (1 Tsp)
Turmeric Powder (1/2 Tsp)

FAQs

What is Masala Bharwan Karela?

How can I reduce the bitterness of karela in Masala Bharwan Karela?

Can I make Masala Bharwan Karela in advance?