Stuffed Bitter Melon |Stuffed Karela |How to Cook Bitter Gourd

Karela or bitter gourd is one veggie which is not liked by many. Personally, I know so many people who just hate this veggie. The reason is obvious… It has a strong bitter taste that many people don’t like.

This recipe is a mix of flavours which is bitter, sour, salt, and sweet. The mix of all these flavours gives this dish an unique taste and you will even forget the bitterness of the vegetables and start enjoying it. 

I totally get it that eating bitter foods is not everyone’s cup of tea BUT it’s really good for you in case you are a diabetic or suffer from high cholestrol levels. 

INGREDIENTS

10-12 small bitter gourd

2 tbsp oil

½ tsp cumin seeds 

1 onion chopped finely 

2 tbsp crushed garlic 

½ tsp asafoetida 

½ tsp turmeric powder

3 tbsp gram flour/besan

½ tbsp chilli powder 

½ tbsp coriander powder

Salt to taste

Seeds from the bitter gourd, chopped

1 tbsp tamarind paste

1 tbsp jaggery

2 tbsp oil

METHOD

Wash the bitter gourd and give a length wise slit in the middle without cutting it fully.

Using a small spoon scoop out the seeds and save it. Do the same to all bitter melons. Now you have empty bitter gourd shells.

Lets get prepared with the filling.

Chop the scooped seeds and set aside.

In a pan heat oil and add the cumin seeds. Let it splutter.

Add in the fine chopped onion and saute it for a few minutes then add in the crushed garlic along with the salt to taste and fry tgis until the onion is dark golden brown in colour.

To this add the asafoetida, turmeric, gram flour and roast it for 5 minutes or until the gram flour becomes aromatic.

Add in the chilli and coriander powder and fry for couple of minutes then add in the scooped and chopped seeds from the bitter gourd.

Saute this for 5 minutes then add in the tamarind paste and again fry for another 3 minutes.

Finally grate in the jaggery and give it a nice mix.

Switch off the heat and let tgis mixture cool completely.

Once cooled, start filling the empty bitter gourd shells.

Carefully fill in the shells without breaking it. Use a small size spoon to help in filling. Tight stuff all the bitter gourds with all the filling we prepared.

In a pan add oil and place the stuffed bitter gourd and let it roast and cook in the low heat setting. Randomly cover and cook and keep flipping the melons now and then to get them cooked evenly.

Once all the bitter gourds are soft and tender cooked, remove feom heat and serve it hot.

Enjoy!!!