ਭਰਵਾਂ ਕਰੇਲੇ ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਬਣਾਓ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਕੌੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਬਣਨਗੇ❤️भरवां करेला रेसिपी

ਭਰਵਾਂ ਕਰੇਲੇ ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਬਣਾਓ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਕੌੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਬਣਨਗੇ❤️भरवां करेला रेसिपी is a medium Punjabi recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Yum Tadka Punjabi Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 30 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 2 hrs 23 min

Cost: $8.20 total, $2.05 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Bitter Gourd (Karela) (washed, sliced lengthwise, seeds kept for stuffing)
  • 2 tsp Salt (for drawing out bitterness from karela and skins)
  • 120 ml Mustard Oil (authentic Punjabi flavor, used for initial frying)
  • 8 pieces Small Onions (peeled, kept whole for stuffing (bharwan pyaaz))
  • 5 pieces Onion (medium size, finely chopped for masala)
  • 5 pieces Green Chilies (finely chopped)
  • 1 inch Ginger (finely chopped)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (ground)
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder (ground)
  • 0.5 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Amchur Powder (dry mango powder; can substitute pomegranate seed powder)
  • 2 tbsp Oil (neutral oil for final tempering of onions)

Instructions

  1. Wash, Slice and Salt the Karela

    Rinse the bitter gourds under running water, slice each lengthwise, remove the seeds (keep them for stuffing), then sprinkle salt all over the slices and the removed seeds. Toss to coat evenly.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Rest the Salted Karela

    Place the salted karela slices and seeds in a bowl, cover, and let rest for 1 hour. This will release excess water and bitterness.

    Time: PT1H

  3. Prepare Stuffing Ingredients

    Peel 7‑8 small onions and set aside for stuffing. Finely chop 4‑5 medium onions, 4‑5 green chilies, ginger, garlic, and the reserved karela seeds. Keep everything in a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Rinse and Dry Karela

    After the 1‑hour rest, rinse the karela slices and seeds under cold water to remove excess salt, then squeeze out water and pat dry with a clean kitchen cloth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. First Fry the Karela

    Heat 120 ml (½ cup) mustard oil in a large kadhai over medium flame. Add the dried karela slices and fry until they turn a light golden colour on all sides, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Drain Fried Karela

    Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried karela to a strainer or plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Temper Ginger and Garlic

    In the same hot oil, add the chopped ginger and garlic. Fry until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Cook the Masala Base

    Add the chopped onions, green chilies, and the reserved karela seeds to the pan. Stir‑fry until the onions become translucent and the mixture changes colour, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

  9. Add Spices

    Sprinkle turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, amchur powder and 1 tsp salt over the mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Stuff the Karela and Onions

    Take each fried karela slice and fill the slit with the prepared masala. Also stuff each peeled small onion with a little of the same masala. Press gently so the filling stays inside.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Final Cook of Stuffed Karela

    Return the stuffed karela slices to the pan, add 2 tbsp neutral oil, cover with a lid and cook on medium flame for 3‑4 minutes, then flip, cover and cook another 3‑4 minutes, finally uncover and cook 2 minutes to set the colour.

    Time: PT8M

  12. Cook Stuffed Onions

    In the same pan, add another 2 tbsp oil, place the stuffed small onions, cover and cook on medium flame for 3‑4 minutes each side, then uncover and cook 2 minutes until the onions are soft and lightly browned.

    Time: PT8M

  13. Serve

    Transfer the finished bharwan karela and bharwan onion to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh coriander if desired and serve hot with roti or rice.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Mustard (mustard oil), Garlic

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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ਭਰਵਾਂ ਕਰੇਲੇ ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਬਣਾਓ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਕੌੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਬਣਨਗੇ❤️भरवां करेला रेसिपी

Recipe by Yum Tadka Punjabi Cooking

A classic Punjabi recipe of stuffed bitter gourd (karela) and stuffed onions, cooked in mustard oil with aromatic spices. The technique of salting the karela removes bitterness, while the flavorful stuffing made from the seeds, onions, green chilies and spices makes the dish deliciously tangy and spicy.

MediumPunjabiServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 39m
Prep
33m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.20
Total cost
$2.05
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Salting and resting the karela to remove bitterness
  • Frying karela until light golden, not dark
  • Properly stuffing the karela and onions
  • Final covered cooking on medium flame to set the stuffing

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby and avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when slicing and de‑seeding the bitter gourd.
  • Do not leave the pan unattended on medium flame to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Bharwan Karela in Punjabi cuisine?

A

Bharwan Karela is a traditional Punjabi winter dish that showcases the region's love for bitter gourd, a vegetable prized for its health benefits. Historically, Punjabi households would stuff the gourd with spices and seeds to balance its bitterness, making it a festive side for family meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Bharwan Karela in Punjabi cooking?

A

In some parts of Punjab, the stuffing includes crushed fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds, while others add yogurt or gram flour for a richer texture. Some families also use mustard oil exclusively, whereas others may finish the dish with a drizzle of ghee.

cultural
Q

How is Bharwan Karela authentically served in Punjab?

A

It is typically served hot as a side dish with warm roti, makki di roti, or steamed rice. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of fresh coriander are added just before serving for extra brightness.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Bharwan Karela traditionally prepared in Punjabi culture?

A

Bharwan Karela is popular during winter festivals like Lohri and Maghi, as well as during family gatherings and weekend meals when fresh bitter gourds are in season.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Bharwan Karela versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include mustard oil, mustard seeds, amchur powder, and the bitter gourd seeds themselves. Acceptable substitutes are canola oil for mustard oil, lemon juice for amchur, and regular green chilies instead of the traditional Punjabi varieties.

cultural
Q

What other Punjabi dishes pair well with Bharwan Karela?

A

Bharwan Karela pairs beautifully with buttery dal makhani, sarson ka saag, or a simple butter naan. The tangy, spicy notes complement creamy lentil dishes and rich breads.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Bharwan Karela?

A

Common errors include insufficient salting and resting, over‑frying the gourd until dark, and not drying the slices before the second fry, which leads to soggy texture and excess oil splatter.

technical
Q

Why does this Bharwan Karela recipe use mustard oil instead of a neutral oil for the first fry?

A

Mustard oil imparts a characteristic pungent flavor that balances the bitterness of the gourd and is a hallmark of Punjabi cooking. A neutral oil would lack that authentic taste profile.

technical
Q

Can I make Bharwan Karela ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can salt and rest the karela a day ahead, and the stuffing can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Re‑heat the stuffed slices in a pan with a little oil before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Yum Tadka Punjabi Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Yum Tadka Punjabi Cooking specializes in authentic Punjabi home‑cooking recipes, focusing on traditional techniques, regional spices, and everyday dishes that are both flavorful and accessible to home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Yum Tadka Punjabi Cooking's approach to Punjabi cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Yum Tadka Punjabi Cooking emphasizes step‑by‑step explanations in Punjabi with English subtitles, uses everyday kitchen tools, and often shares cultural anecdotes, making the recipes feel like a family kitchen rather than a professional studio.

channel

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