Bharwan Karela is stuffed bitter gourd with onions and spices and then deep fried or shallow fried. It tastes very different from the usual vegetable preparation and is relished as a side dish with any dal like Dal Tadka, Dhuli Masoor Dal(Red Lentils) along with chapatis and rice.
Karela or Bitter Gourd is a very interesting vegetable. It has bitter taste but has numerous health benefits and tastes yumm when cooked properly. A rich source of iron, magnesium, vitamins and potassium with Vit. C. It is an excellent source of dietary fibers. It reduces the amount of sugar in blood, lowers cholesterol.
Ingredients3-4 Karela/Bitter Gourd pieces
1-2 Medium sized Onions
1-2 Green Chilies(optional) depending on heat tolerance
2 tbsp Raw Mango(Grated) when available
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
2 tbsp Coriander Powder
1 tsp Amchoor/Dry Mango Powder when not using Raw Mango
1 tsp Fennel Seeds
Red Chili Powder as per preference
1/2 Turmeric Powder
Salt to taste
1-2 tbsp Any plant based oil(like Mustard Oil, Olive Oil)
Oil for deep frying or shallow frying
ź tsp Asafeotida/Hing optional
Method* Wash Karela nicely and scrape off the skin using a knife/peeler.
* Make slits in between lengthwise and take out the seeds from inside.
* Rub salt in karela pieces and leave for about 30 mins-1hr.
* Finely chop onions and green chillies.
* In a pan/kadhai heat oil, add asafeotida(if using), cumin seeds.
* Once seeds crackle, add onions and fry till light brown in color.
* Add powdered spices along with raw mango and salt and mix well.
* Fry on low flame for another 1-2 minutes.
* Take off the flame and transfer to a bowl.
* After an hour, squeeze off water from karela pieces. Wash in water if you want. Pat dry on kitchen towel.
* Fill in the onion masala and seal the slit with tooth pick or thread(preferably).
* Take a heavy bottomed pan or kadhai, heat oil and drop carefully karela pieces.
* Fry on low heat till cooked from all sides and light brown.
* Once done, take out on a kitchen towel.
* Serve with Dal Rice or chapatis/paranthas. Cut in half if pieces are too big.Also remove thread before serving.