By Tarishi Shrivastava
August 9, 2024
This Punjabi-style bharwa karela features bitter gourd stuffed with ground spices and cooked with caramelised onions. It makes for a healthy side dish with Indian breads like roti, paratha, or phulka. Here is how to make it:
10 to 12 small karela ¾ teaspoon turmeric powder ¾ teaspoon red chilli powder ¼ teaspoon Garam Masala 1 teaspoon amchur powder 1 teaspoon fennel powder 2 onions 3 teaspoons oil Coriander leaves for garnish salt as required
Make a vertical cut on each karela, keeping the base intact.
Remove the seeds and pith with a small spoon.
Mix all the dry spice powders with salt and stuff it in the karela.
Tie a thread tightly around each karela.
Heat the oil in a pan, kadai, or skillet.
Add the stuffed Karela. Stir and gently mix with the oil.
Begin to panfry them on a low heat. Once cooked, remove and set aside.
Add the sliced onions and fry them.
Add the cooked karela and sauté.
Add the rest of the spice mix (if needed).
While serving, remove the thread and garnish with coriander leaves.