Stuffed Bitter Gourd Indian name: Bharwa Karela Properties of Bharwa Karela Taste: Tikat, Katu Quality: Light and Dry Potency: Warm Medicinal properties of Bharwa Karela (Stuffed Bitter Gourd)  Bharwa Karela is difficult to digest and is bhrigan in nature, which means that it strengthens the body tissues. It is good for lowering blood sugar and improving functions of liver and pancreas. Bharwa Karela is not easily digestible therefore people with low digestive fire should go for smaller helpings. Dosha analysis of Bharwa Karela  Bharwa Karela pacifies Kapha and Vata dosha. It increases Pitta; thus Pitta persons should use this in moderate quantities. Ingredients Four medium sized Karelas. Salt: 1 teaspoon Stuffing Cooking oil: 1 Tablespoon (Traditional cooking oil for this recipe is Mustard seed oil) Onions: 2 Garlic Cloves: 4 (peeled and minced) Fresh Ginger: 1" (peeled and chopped) Cumin powder: 1 teaspoon Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon Salt: ½ teaspoon or to taste Amchoor (Mango powder): 1 teaspoon Water: 1 Tablespoons Roast besan: 4 teaspoon Seeds of Karela Karela skin Anise seeds: 2 teaspoons Cooking / Frying Thread to wrap and tie Cooking oil: 2 teaspoon Water: 2 tablespoons Preparation  Step 1: Preparing Karela Wash Karela and scrape its skin with a knife. Cut a slit vertically in the belly of the Karela. Rub the skin and the insides of the Karela with salt. Set aside for about 20 minutes. During this time you can prepare the stuffing. After 20 minutes, you will see the Karela releases water as a result of salting. Squeeze out as much water as possible. To control salt, you may wash rinse, squeeze out water, and pat dry. Step 2: Stuffing Make a paste of Karela seeds and Anise seeds using the grinder In a heavy pan, heat the cooking oil Add onions, and salt. Sauté till onions are clear Add garlic, ginger, and stir well Add paste Roast this well and then add besan Add Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric powder, and Amchoor. Stir well. Sauté about two minutes. Add water and sauté another two minutes. Turn off heat. Step 3: Cooking Boil Karela Fill the belly of the Karela with stuffing Wrap Karela with thread so that the stuffing does not fall out In a heavy bottom pan, put cooking oil, pinch of asafetida and Bharwa Karela Turn on heat. Cover the pan with the lid, and turn the heat to medium low and cook about 5 minutes. Turn over the Karela, cover and cook another 4 minutes Your Bharwa Karela is ready to eat. Share your recipe! Do you have a vegetarian recipe that you enjoy? Share it with us!