Recipe for Stuffed Karela (Bharwa Karela)

Stuffed bitter gourd, or Bharwa Karela, is a delicious North Indian dish that transforms the often unpopular vegetable into a mouth-watering treat. The bitterness of the karela is balanced with a flavorful filling of spices, making it a perfect accompaniment for any Indian meal. Not only is this dish tasty, but it's also packed with health benefits, as bitter gourd is known to aid digestion, control blood sugar levels, and promote liver health. Here's how you can prepare this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients:
●    5-6 medium-sized karelas (bitter gourds)
●    2 tbsp mustard oil (or any oil of your choice)
●    1 tsp cumin seeds
●    1 tsp fennel seeds
●    1 tsp coriander powder
●    1 tsp cumin powder
●    1 tsp turmeric powder
●    1 tsp red chili powder (adjust as per taste)
●    1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
●    2 tbsp besan (gram flour)
●    1 tbsp grated ginger
●    1 tbsp minced garlic (optional)
●    Salt to taste
●    Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Karela
1.    Scrape the karelas: Begin by washing the bitter gourds thoroughly. Scrape the outer skin lightly using a knife. Don’t discard the scraped skin, as it will be used in the filling later.
2.    Slit and deseed: Make a slit in each karela lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon or knife. If the karela is too bitter for your taste, you can rub the karelas with salt and set them aside for about 30 minutes. After that, rinse them well to remove excess salt and bitterness.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
1.    Roast the besan: Dry roast the besan in a pan on low heat until it turns light brown and aromatic. Set aside to cool.
2.    Heat mustard oil: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil. Add cumin seeds and fennel seeds, and let them splutter.
3.    Add ginger and garlic: Add grated ginger and minced garlic (optional) to the oil, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4.    Add spices: Now add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Cook for a few seconds, ensuring the spices don't burn.
5.    Mix in the besan: Add the roasted besan to the spice mixture, followed by amchur powder and the scraped karela skin. Stir everything well until it forms a crumbly filling. Let this filling cool down.
Step 3: Stuffing the Karela
1.    Stuff the karelas: Once the filling has cooled down, stuff each karela generously with the prepared mixture. Ensure the karelas are tightly stuffed, but be gentle to avoid tearing them.
2.    Tie with thread: If needed, you can tie each karela with a small piece of kitchen thread to ensure the stuffing doesn’t fall out while cooking.
Step 4: Cooking the Stuffed Karela
1.    Heat oil in a pan: In the same pan, add the remaining mustard oil and heat it on medium flame. Once hot, add the stuffed karelas and lightly sauté them on all sides until they are golden brown.
2.    Cook on low heat: Cover the pan with a lid and cook the stuffed karelas on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally. Make sure they cook evenly and become tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
1.    Once the karelas are fully cooked and tender, remove them from the pan. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
2.    Serve hot with chapati, paratha, or rice, accompanied by a yogurt dip or pickle.
Tips:
●    If you prefer less bitterness, use the salting method and rinse the karela well before stuffing.
●    You can add finely chopped onions or ground peanuts to the stuffing for extra texture and flavor.
●    The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Conclusion:
Bharwa Karela is a flavorful dish that turns bitter gourd into a delectable, savory meal. Its rich, spiced stuffing and crispy exterior make it a perfect dish for karela lovers and skeptics alike. Not only is it a delicious option, but it's also full of health benefits, making it a must-try recipe for your family!