Stuffed Karela recipe meri Sas ke Style mein Keema Bharay Karelay

Stuffed Karela recipe meri Sas ke Style mein Keema Bharay Karelay is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Kitchen with Amna on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 10 min

Cost: $30.12 total, $7.53 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces Bitter Gourd (Karela) (Medium size, washed; ends trimmed, slit lengthwise, seeds removed)
  • 2 tsp Salt (Divided: 1 tsp for soaking, 1 tsp for keema seasoning)
  • 1.5 tsp Turmeric Powder (1 tsp for soaking, 0.5 tsp for keema)
  • 5 tbsp Vegetable Oil (For shallow frying and cooking keema)
  • 1 large Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 2 large Tomato (Finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 250 g Ground Beef or Mutton (Keema) (Fresh, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp Long Pepper Powder (Traditional spice, optional)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (Kabab Chini) (Balances bitterness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bitter Gourd

    Trim the ends of each bitter gourd, make a lengthwise slit without cutting all the way through, and scoop out all seeds and fibrous strands.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Soak with Salt & Turmeric

    Place the slit gourds in a bowl, sprinkle 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp turmeric powder, toss to coat, and let them sit for 2 hours. This draws out excess bitterness and softens the flesh.

    Time: PT2H

  3. Rinse and Drain

    After 2 hours, rinse the gourds under running water to remove the released bitterness, then pat dry with a kitchen towel.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Chop Vegetables

    Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, and mince the garlic.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make the Keema Stuffing

    In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat with coriander powder, 0.5 tsp turmeric, red chili powder, long pepper powder, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and the minced garlic. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Stuff the Gourds

    Transfer the keema mixture into a piping bag (or a zip‑lock bag with a corner cut) and fill each bitter gourd cavity, pressing gently to pack the stuffing.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Shallow Fry the Stuffed Gourds

    Heat 3 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat (about 180°C). Add the stuffed gourds and fry for 8‑10 minutes, turning gently, until the skins are lightly golden but the interior is still soft.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°C

  8. Cook the Keema Base

    In the same pan, add 2 tbsp oil if needed, then add the remaining keema mixture (if any) and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, then add tomatoes and cook another 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Dum (Steam) the Stuffed Gourds

    Nestle the shallow‑fried stuffed gourds into the pan with the keema base, cover with a tight‑fitting lid, reduce heat to low (about 90°C) and let cook for 10 minutes so the meat finishes cooking and the flavors meld.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 90°C

  10. Serve

    Transfer the stuffed bitter gourds to a serving plate, drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top, and serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carb

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Stuffed Karela recipe meri Sas ke Style mein Keema Bharay Karelay

Recipe by Kitchen with Amna

A classic North Indian summer dish where bitter gourds are softened with salt and turmeric, then stuffed with a spiced ground‑meat mixture, shallow‑fried and finished with a gentle dum cooking. Served hot with roti or rice, this recipe balances the natural bitterness of karela with aromatic spices and juicy keema.

MediumIndianServes 4

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Source Video
2h 25m
Prep
30m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$30.12
Total cost
$7.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing all seeds from the bitter gourds
  • Soaking the gourds in salt and turmeric for 2 hours
  • Evenly mixing the keema with spices
  • Filling the gourds without over‑packing
  • Shallow frying to set the shape
  • Dum cooking to finish the meat safely

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Cook ground meat to an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure safety.
  • Wash hands and all surfaces after handling raw meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of stuffed bitter gourd (Karela) in North Indian cuisine?

A

Stuffed bitter gourd, known as "Karela Bharwan," is a traditional summer dish in North India. It was created to make the naturally bitter vegetable more palatable by pairing it with aromatic spices and meat, turning it into a festive main course for family gatherings and weddings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of stuffed bitter gourd (Karela) in Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the gourd is often stuffed with spiced lamb keema, while in Gujarat a sweeter version uses jaggery and milder spices. In Bengal, the stuffing may include mustard paste and shrimp, reflecting coastal flavors.

cultural
Q

How is stuffed bitter gourd (Karela) traditionally served in North Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot as a main dish alongside warm roti or paratha, accompanied by a side of plain yogurt or cucumber raita to balance the bitterness and spice.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is stuffed bitter gourd (Karela) commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

The dish is popular during summer festivals, family weddings, and special weekend meals when fresh bitter gourds are abundant. It is also prepared for guests as a showcase of seasonal cooking.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional stuffed bitter gourd (Karela) and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh bitter gourds, ground lamb or beef, turmeric, coriander powder, and long pepper. Substitutes can be ground chicken for a leaner option, black pepper for long pepper, and a pinch of sugar or jaggery to balance bitterness.

cultural
Q

What other North Indian dishes pair well with stuffed bitter gourd (Karela)?

A

Pair it with buttery naan, basmati rice pulao, or a simple dal tadka. A cooling cucumber raita or mint chutney also complements the dish beautifully.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making stuffed bitter gourd (Karela)?

A

Common errors include skipping the 2‑hour salt‑turmeric soak, over‑filling the gourds, and frying at too high a heat which can burn the exterior while leaving the meat undercooked.

technical
Q

Why does this stuffed bitter gourd (Karela) recipe use a shallow‑fry step before the dum cooking?

A

Shallow frying sets the shape of the gourd, reduces excess moisture, and creates a slight crust that helps the stuffing stay inside during the final low‑heat simmer (dum).

technical
Q

Can I make stuffed bitter gourd (Karela) ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can stuff the gourds and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours. When ready, shallow fry and finish the dum step. Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3‑4 days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kitchen with Amna specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kitchen with Amna focuses on easy-to-follow South Asian home cooking, sharing family‑heritage recipes, seasonal vegetable dishes, and practical tips for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Kitchen with Amna's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Kitchen with Amna emphasizes quick, budget‑friendly meals using everyday pantry staples, often highlighting lesser‑known regional techniques like the bitter‑gourd stuffing method, whereas many channels focus on elaborate restaurant‑style presentations.

channel

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