Bharwa Karela/Stuffed bitter gourd

Some days we have that intriguing curiosity to explore and try recipes from other cuisines and feel happy about the grand success :)

On one such day I tried making this stuffed bitter gourd recipe and I swore that day that whenever i m going to make bitter gourd hereafter its going to be Bharwa karela. 

Its one of those promises thats written on water! :) Hunger rules always, Isnt it? Not to mention this recipe is a little time consuming!

To prepare this we need:

bitter gourd: About 1/2 kg

1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

1 tsp Garam masala

1 1/2 tsp Chilli powder

1 1/2 tsp Amchur powder

1 tsp ginger garlic paste

one large onion chopped

2 tomatoes chopped

salt as needed

Bharwa karela another pic: 

Slit the bitter gourds lengthwise, without cutting it into two pieces! And take out the seeds. Cook the bitter gourd in boiling water and drain. Use as little water as possible to preserve all the nutrients. Remove any moisture from the bitter gourds using paper towel.

To prepare the stuffing:

Take a pan and heat abt a tbsp of oil and fry onion. While the onions turn translucent, add ginger and garlic paste and keep stirring till the raw smell goes. Add tomatoes and all the other powder ingredients.  Keep cooking till the oil separates. Put off the stove and stuff the karela's with the stuffing prepared thus, tie the bitter gourds and shallow fry them.

The amchur powder in the stuffing makes this dish extra delicious! Don't miss out adding this particular ingredient, it adds a tangy taste which is the essence of this dish and complements the mild bitterness of the karelas well.

Yes, and I should mention that easily the quantity of consumption increases by cooking bitter gourd this way!

Mooli Paratha/Radish Stuffed Paratha



Mooli Stuffed Parathas!

 This is probably the third or fourth time I made stuffed Parathas and the last few times, I guess i have achieved consistency! They turned out pretty well, among all stuff parathas, I like the taste of Mooli Paratha the best!

To make this we need:

Grated Radish -  2 cups (Sqeeze the water out and it can be used to prepare the dough for the roti base)
salt
oil
chopped corriander leaves leaves
turmeric powder
chopped green chillies and half cup finely chopped onion

For the dough:
ashirvad atta - 2 cups
oil, salt and water as required

The onion and green chillies need to be very finely chopped, otherwise it will tear up the parathas while being rolled.Heat a pan, add some oil and add the chopped oions and fry till translucent. Add chopped green chillies and turmeric powder and salt as required. Add the grated radish and keep frying till the radish gets cookes.

Put the heat off and make the stuffing into small sized balls. Prepare the dough for the paratha and make them into small balls.

Flatten each ball with a rolling pin. Make sure its a bit thick on the middle and thinner around the edges. Stuff it with radish and close the dough on all sides. Flatten again with rolling pin and hands and cook it in medium flame on a dosa tawa..

Parathas served with butter and Curd..