To begin making Healthy Bharwa Karela Recipe (Indian Masala Stuffed Bitter Gourd), scrape the outer skin of the bitter gourds and make a deep vertical cut in the center leaving the base portion intact. Gently scoop out the seeds and the pith and set it aside.
Heat the oil in a pan or kadai or skillet. Once the oil becomes medium hot, then lower the heat. Add the stuffed karela. Stir and gently mix with the oil. Begin to pan fry them on a low heat. Stir and turn over after evey 2 to 3 minutes for even cooking. Pan fry them on low heat till they are browned, cooked and fork tender.
In a kadai or pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil. You can use any neutral flavored oil. Let the oil become hot. Then reduce the heat to a low and add the chopped karela. Mix chopped karela with oil and sauté on a low to medium-low flame. Stir often while sautéing. Sauté the karela for 4 to 5 minutes. Then add thinly sliced onions.
If you’re looking for ways to add karela to your diet, this bitter gourd curry is a good starting point. Bitter gourd curry, more commonly known as Karela sabzi in India, is a semi-dry side dish where sliced or chopped bitter gourd is cooked with onions and ground spices.