Stuffed Karela

This is one amazing dish, however, people have pre-conceived notion “Karela” implies bitterness and not good in taste. I must add it has an acquired taste. “Stuffed Karela” aka “Bitter Groud” or “Bharwan Karela” is made with a perfect combination of spices. The stuffing gives it a unique taste. The crispy surface and delicious stuffing makes it a desirable dish. As a child, I hated the sight of it. Over time, I gradually developed the taste for this. Now, it’s one of my favourite vegetables. You can have this as a perfect side dish with any meal. My take on Step by Step recipe of Stuffed Karela  is shown below.

Karela Benefits

If the mere mention of karela (bitter gourd) makes you cringe, it’s time to rethink your stance. This humble vegetable is packed with nutrients and is highly recommended for managing diabetes. You should incorporate karela juice into your daily routine. Consult your dietitian or doctor first. Doing so may help improve your overall health. It can also ward off various ailments.

Per 100 grams, bitter gourd contains just 34 calories and negligible fat, making it an excellent choice for weight management. It’s also loaded with potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and magnesium. Truly, karela deserves a spot in your diet for its remarkable health benefits!

Ingredients for making bharwa / stuffed karela

1. Karela (Bitter Gourd): Karela is the star ingredient. It is rich in nutrients and lends a unique bitter flavor to the dish. Its hollow center makes it perfect for stuffing.

2. Salt: Used to marinate karelas, it reduces their bitterness and enhances the overall flavor.

3. Oil: Essential for sautéing and cooking, it helps bring out the flavors of the spices and stuffing.

4. Cumin Seeds: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and enhances the aroma of the stuffing.

5. Asafoetida (Hing): Balances the bitterness of karela and adds a subtle depth of flavor.

6. Onions: Provide a sweet, caramelized base for the stuffing, balancing the bitterness.

7. Ginger (Grated): Adds a zesty, aromatic kick to the stuffing, complementing the spices.

8. Spice Powders (Turmeric, Coriander, Red Chili, Fennel): These spices create a flavorful stuffing. Turmeric adds earthiness, coriander enhances aroma, red chili provides heat, and fennel lends a subtle sweetness.

9. Karela Scrapings: Nothing goes to waste! The scrapings are added to the stuffing for texture and to enhance the karela flavor.

10. Toothpicks or Thread: Used to secure the stuffed karelas, ensuring the filling stays intact during cooking.

This thoughtfully chosen mix of ingredients balances the bitterness of karela. It also creates a harmonious medley of flavors and textures. Whether you sauté or fry them, the result is a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Making of stuffed karela is divided into two parts.

First, making sure the bitterness of this bitter gourd is removed and then stuffing it.

To remove bitterness of karela scrape out the skin of karela and sprinkle salt and let it marinate for 1.5 hrs. This process makes karela loose its bitterness, now squeeze the juice out of these marinated karela pieces.

To prepare the stuffing, use the spices. You can add things like paneer or potato stuffing. Stuff the karela and fry it.

Best part of this stuffed karela recipe is that it is fully vegan and gluten free (when not adding asafoetida).

Step by step recipe of stuffed karela

Prep the karela

• Wash the karelas thoroughly and scrape off the skin. Set the scrapings aside.
• Make a lengthwise slit in each karela and remove the seeds.
• Rub 1 teaspoon of salt all over the karelas and let them marinate for 1.5 hours.
• Rinse them thoroughly and squeeze out excess water. Allow them to dry slightly.

Prepare the stuffing for karela

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and a pinch of asafoetida.
• Once the cumin crackles, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Mix in spice powders (turmeric, coriander, red chili), grated ginger, and sauté well.
• Add the karela scrapings, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove the lid and cook until all water evaporates. Let it cool.

Stuff the karela

• Fill each karela with the stuffing and secure the slit with toothpicks to keep the filling intact.
• Reserve leftover stuffing for cooking.

Cook the stuffed karela

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add turmeric, coriander, red chili, fennel powder, and salt.
• Place the stuffed karelas in the pan and add the leftover stuffing. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes.
• Flip the karelas to cook evenly on all sides, repeating until fully done.

Pro Tips for best stuffed karela

1. Meal Prep Hero: Once cooked, these stuffed karelas can be refrigerated for up to a week. Cook them in advance and enjoy a fuss-free, nutritious side dish all week long. Bonus: They double up as excellent travel companions. They stay fresh for up to 30 hours at room temperature. No tantrums, no spills!

2. Thread the Needle: If you’re out of toothpicks, don’t fret. Simply tie the karelas with a piece of thread to keep the stuffing secure. It’s like giving your karela a warm hug while it cooks!

3. Fry It Up: Feeling indulgent? Instead of sautéing, deep fry the stuffed karelas for a crispy, flavor-packed twist. Just remember, moderation is key—your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline won’t!

4. Experiment with Stuffing: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Swap out the traditional stuffing for something new—paneer, mashed potatoes, or even spiced lentils. Who says karela can’t have a glow-up?

5. Travel-Friendly Delight: Planning a road trip or long journey? Pack these karelas for a hearty, mess-free snack. They’re durable, delicious, and travel-ready—just like you!

With these pro tips, even karela skeptics might give this bitter beauty a second chance. After all, cooking karela is a labor of love—and a touch of humor makes it even better!

Serving suggestion

1. With Roti or Paratha: Serve these stuffed karelas hot alongside fresh rotis or parathas. A drizzle of ghee over your bread adds an extra touch of indulgence.

2. With Steamed Rice: Pair karelas with simple steamed rice and dal (lentil curry) for a wholesome, comforting Indian meal.

3. As a Side Dish: Use it as a side dish. Pair it with a larger spread of sabzis, curries, and raita during lunch or dinner. It complements tangy curries like kadhi or sambar beautifully.

4. Meal Prep Bowl: Include it in a lunch bowl with quinoa or millet. Add a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. This makes a healthy, balanced meal.

5. Travel-Friendly Combo: Pack stuffed karelas with thepla or masala puris for a perfect travel-friendly meal.

The earthy, spicy flavors of stuffed karelas make them a versatile dish. They are equally great for a casual meal or a special occasion spread.

FAQs about stuffed karela recipe

1. How long can cooked stuffed karelas be stored?

Cooked stuffed karelas can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container. They’re ideal for meal prep. You can also take them as a travel-friendly dish. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to 30 hours.

2. What can I use if I don’t have toothpicks to secure the stuffing?

If you’re out of toothpicks, use kitchen thread. Tie the stuffed karelas with the thread to keep the filling intact while cooking.

3. Can stuffed karelas be deep-fried instead of sautéed?

Yes, absolutely! For a crispy version, you can deep fry the stuffed karelas after filling them. This method enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

4. Can I experiment with the stuffing?

Certainly! You can try variations apart from the traditional stuffing. Experiment with paneer, mashed potatoes, or even spiced lentils to create unique flavors.

5. How can I serve stuffed karelas?

Stuffed karelas pair well with roti, paratha, or steamed rice and dal. They also make a great side dish with other curries. You can enjoy them with pickles and chutney for added tanginess.

6. Are karelas really worth eating despite their bitterness?

Yes! Karela is a nutritional powerhouse, especially beneficial for managing diabetes. When cooked with the right stuffing and spices, the bitterness is balanced. This makes it a flavourful and healthy addition to your diet.

7. Can I prepare stuffed karelas in advance?

Yes, stuffed karelas are perfect for meal prep. You can cook them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for a week. This makes it a convenient option for busy days.

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments or share your karela-cooking hacks!

Recipe Card

Recipe is as simple as this. Detailed and step by step recipe of stuffed karela is below.

If you like Karela, you may like to try karela masala too.