Bharwa Karela / Stuffed Bitter Melon

Rinse the karela and steam for 6-8 minutes. Let them cool down. Make a lengthwise slit on each karela and gently scoop the pulp out. Store the pulp aside for later use. Salt the slit karelas and keep aside.

Stuffing Prep : Heat a pan and coat with cooking spray. Add in the cumin seeds chillies and onion. Saute till onions start browning now add in ginger garlic paste give a quick mix and add in the stored karela pulp and grated paneer. Mix till mixture starts to leave water. Now add in all the remaining spices and salt. Mix and keep cooking on a medium flame till mixture comes to a thick consistency (Approx 4-5 mins)

Stuff the slit karelas with this mix. You can tie them lightly with a string to make sure they hold together.

Finally heat around 2 tsp oil and pan fry the karelas on a low flame by turning around till you can see that golden brown texture.

Remove from heat and take off the string. This can be served as a side with hot Rice/Rotis or enjoyed on its own.

The steaming of karelas & precooking of stuffing helps with reduction of oil needed for frying. Alternatively this could be shallow fried or Deep fried. Take into account the additional fat macros in that scenario.