Introduction

 

Karela, or bitter gourd, is a vegetable that often divides opinions because of its distinct bitter taste. However, for me, it holds a special place in my heart because of the Bharva Karela recipe that my grandmother used to make. The first time I tried Bharva Karela was during a family gathering, where my grandmother served it as a side dish. Despite my initial hesitation, one bite of the stuffed bitter gourd filled with flavorful spices and tangy tamarind instantly won me over. It was a revelation, showing me that even the most humble ingredients can be transformed into a delicious dish with the right preparation. Since then, Bharva Karela has become a cherished recipe in my family, reminding me of the love and care that goes into every home-cooked meal.

 

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Recipe of Bharva Karela

 

Ingredients:

 

• 8-9 bitter gourds (karela)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp mustard oil

 

 

For Stuffing:

 

• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• 1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
• 1 tsp saunf (fennel seeds)
• ½ tsp kalonji (nigella seeds)
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• 1 cup chopped onion
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp saunf powder (fennel powder)
• 2 tsp amchur powder (dry mango powder)
• 6-7 raisins
• 1 tbsp cashew nuts
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
• 2 boiled potatoes

 

For Tadka:

 

• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• 1 tsp saunf (fennel seeds)
• 1 tsp kalonji (nigella seeds)
• ½ cup thickly sliced onion
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of red chili powder

 

 

Method:

 

1. Wash and clean the bitter gourds. Peel them using a peeler, make a vertical gash, and remove the seeds.
2. Marinate with salt and turmeric powder for 10-15 mins. Sauté in mustard oil until slightly tender. Set aside.
3. Prepare stuffing: Sauté peels with salt and turmeric. Add mustard oil, jeera, saunf, kalonji, garlic. Add onions and cook till translucent.
4. Season with salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, saunf powder, and amchur powder. Add raisins, cashews, and sugar. Let it cool.
5. Grate boiled potatoes, add chopped coriander, and mix with stuffing.
6. Stuff the semi-cooked bitter gourds with the mixture.
7. Heat mustard oil, add saunf, kalonji, and stuffed bitter gourds. Cook covered for 8-10 mins.
8. Add thickly sliced onions, salt, and red chili powder. Sauté for 4-5 mins.
9. Bharwa Karela is ready to serve. Enjoy with roti or rice.

 

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About the Recipe

 

Bharva Karela is a traditional Indian dish made by stuffing bitter gourd with a mixture of spices, herbs, and tangy ingredients like tamarind or lemon juice. Despite its bitter taste, bitter gourd is highly nutritious and is believed to have numerous health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and improved digestion. The stuffing for Bharva Karela typically includes a blend of roasted spices such as coriander, cumin, and amchur powder, which helps to balance out the bitterness of the vegetable. Once stuffed, the bitter gourd is either pan-fried or cooked in a spicy gravy until tender, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs well with rice or roti.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Selecting Bitter Gourd: Choose firm and unblemished bitter gourds for stuffing, as they will hold their shape better during cooking.
2. Removing Bitterness: To reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd, soak the sliced or hollowed-out gourds in salted water for about 30 minutes before stuffing.
3. Stuffing Mixture: Prepare a flavorful stuffing mixture using roasted spices, herbs, and tangy ingredients like tamarind or lemon juice to balance out the bitterness of the gourd.
4. Pan-Frying vs. Cooking in Gravy: Bharva Karela can be either pan-fried until golden brown or cooked in a spicy gravy for a more saucy dish. Choose the method based on your preference.
5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the cooked Bharva Karela with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for added freshness and flavor.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

• Rice: Serve Bharva Karela with steamed rice and dal for a wholesome and comforting meal.
• Roti or Paratha: Pair the stuffed bitter gourd with soft roti or flaky paratha for a delicious and filling lunch or dinner.
• Yogurt: Enjoy Bharva Karela with a side of creamy yogurt to balance out the flavors and cool down the palate.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bharva Karela

 

1. What is Bharva Karela?
   • Bharva Karela is a traditional Indian dish made by stuffing bitter gourd with a mixture of spices, herbs, and tangy ingredients.
2. How do you reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd?
   • To reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd, soak the sliced or hollowed-out gourds in salted water for about 30 minutes before cooking.
3. What are the key ingredients in Bharva Karela stuffing?
   • The key ingredients in Bharva Karela stuffing include roasted spices such as coriander, cumin, and amchur powder, along with herbs and tangy ingredients like tamarind or lemon juice.
4. Can I use other vegetables for stuffing?
   • While bitter gourd is traditionally used for Bharva Karela, you can experiment with other vegetables such as potatoes, bell peppers, or onions for different variations.
5. How do you cook Bharva Karela?
   • Bharva Karela can be either pan-fried until golden brown or cooked in a spicy gravy until tender, depending on your preference.
6. Is Bharva Karela spicy?
   • The level of spiciness in Bharva Karela can be adjusted according to your taste by varying the amount of chili powder and other spices used in the stuffing mixture.
7. Can I make Bharva Karela ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture and stuff the bitter gourd ahead of time, then cook it when ready to serve for added convenience.
8. Is Bharva Karela healthy?
   • Yes, Bharva Karela is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it beneficial for overall health and well-being.
9. Can I freeze Bharva Karela?
   • While Bharva Karela can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, it is not recommended to freeze it as the texture may become mushy upon thawing.
10. Are there any variations of Bharva Karela?
    • Yes, you can customize Bharva Karela by experimenting with different stuffing ingredients and cooking methods to create unique flavor profiles and textures.

 

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