Bharwa karela, or the stuffed bitter gourd, is the renowned Indian dish popular for its unique fusion of bitterness and spicy flavour. Normal karelas or bitter gourds are known for their bitter taste, and you might all refuse to add them to your meal, but these stuffed karelas are a flavourful mixture of spices and other ingredients, which are the star of this dish.
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Bharwa karela gives a blend of delectable taste and nutrition, which is why it is most popular among those who appreciate the health benefits of bitter gourd. Below are the tips and tricks to make bharwa karela at home.
Reduce Its Bitterness
The first and most important task before preparing a perfect Bharwa Karela at home is to reduce the bitterness of the Bitter Gourd. It can be done in two ways. The first can be by making a cut along the length of the karela, removing out the seeds, and letting them soak in water, which contains a mixture of a bit of turmeric and salt. Additionally, the second way is by applying salt inside and outside of the slit karelas. Then let them sit for around 25-30 minutes, then wash it properly. By doing this, the bitterness can be easily removed.
Preparation Of The Stuffing
Good stuffing elevates the taste of the bharwa karela. A major stuffing includes sesame seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seed, roasted peanuts, and other major spices as the key ingredients. When preparing at home, you can also add grated coconuts, tamarind paste, and jaggery to the list of ingredients; this will give a sweet and tangy twist to the bharwa karela.
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Secure The Stuffing
This is the major and most vital step; if done properly, this will be a game changer for Bharwa Karela. Ensure to prevent the stuffing from falling out while performing your culinary art. For prevention, you can tie those stuffed karelas with a simple kitchen thread from the pantry. This step is most important, as after doing this you can easily shallow fry the bharwa karelas, and the stuffing can be easily intact.
Perform Culinary
Now your bharwa karela is ready to either air fry or shallow fry, as both methods will provide a delicious result. For shallow frying, use mustard oil, as it will give a rich flavour. Fry until they become golden brown and crispy on a low flame, turning them from each side. On the other hand, if you are health conscious, you can air fry them for 6–8 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius until they turn golden brown and crispy.
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Add Extra Punch
Just after stuffing, for adding extra punch to the bharwa karela, you can make a simple curry with onion, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and other spices as key ingredients. Cook the stuffed karelas in this curry base with adding a little water and jaggery for a sweet and tangy sauce.
Serving Style
Garnish the bharwa karela with fresh coriander leaves, which will provide a burst of freshness. Also, you can serve the prepared bharwa karela as a side dish with parathas or rotis. However, it goes well when paired with a simple dal-rice meal, as it balances the remaining bitterness.
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Store And Re-Heat
Bharwa karela can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Re-heat the left-over Bharwa karelas in a pan or in a microwave with a little oil