Bharva karela, also known as stuffed bitter gourd, is a popular Indian dish that is typically made by stuffing bitter gourds with a flavourful filling and then cooking them. Here is a simple recipe for making bharva karela:
Ingredients:
4-5 medium-sized bitter gourds
1 onion finely chopped.
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste.
2 or 3 green chillies.
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 coconut grated.
2 tbsp. of peanuts.
One small lemon size tamarind and jaggery.
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped for garnish.
Instructions:
Wash the bitter gourds and cut off the ends. Slit them vertically and remove the seeds and pulp. Keep the skin intact.
Sprinkle some salt inside and outside of the bitter gourd and let them rest aside for 20-30 minutes. This will help to reduce the bitterness of the gourds.
In a pan, heat some oil and add cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add chopped onions with finely chopped chillies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook till the onions become soft and golden brown.
Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, grated coconut, tamarind, jaggery and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes. Then blend it properly. Add coarse ground peanuts to the mixture.
Stuff this mixture into the bitter gourds.
Heat some oil in a pan and add stuffed bitter gourds to it. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes on medium-low flame.
After 10-12 minutes, turn the bitter gourds to the other side and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
Once the bitter gourds are cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Your bharva karela is ready to serve! It goes well with roti or paratha.
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