Stuffed Karela - 2

Bharela Kaarela

Stuffed Bittergourds
Ingredients
4 bittergourds
salt

Stuffing

1 medium potato, boiled, peeled, mashed
1/4 tsp garam masala

1 tbsp lemon juice
salt to taste

1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tbsp jaggery

Tempering 1

1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 onion, minced

1 tomato, chopped

Tempering 2
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Garnish
Cilantro/Coriander leaves

Method

1. Scrape the bittergourd. Make two pieces. and then slit horizontally keeping the gourd whole.

2. sprinkle salt rubbing inside as well as outside of the bittergourd. Keep aside for 15 minutes.

3. For stuffing, heat oil in a pan. Add onion and turmeric powder. As the onion softens, add tomatoes.

4. Saute till tomatoes are cooked. Add chili powder, salt, jaggery, garam masala. And then add mashed potato.

5. Saute for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely. Squeeze the lemon juice.

6. Wash the bittergourds with salt. Stuff the potato mixture in the cavities of the bittergourds. If needed, tie a thread around the bittergourds. (I did not do it!)

7. Heat oil in another pan. Add mustard seeds, turmeric powder and asafoetida. Add stuffed gourds. Cover with a lid. Let it cook on a very low flame.

8. After about 15 minutes, flip the bittergourds over and let them cook through.

9. Garnish with cilantro. Serve as a side dish.

Note -
You can use leftover potato subzi for the stuffing.