Bharwa Karela Recipe with Narpa Spices- Authentic and Flavourful Stuffed Bitter Gourd

31, Dec 2025

Bharwa Karela (stuffed bitter gourd) is a classic Indian sabzi that transforms humble bitter gourds into a delicious, spicy delight. In this recipe, we use premium Narpa brand spices to season the stuffing and the vegetable itself, bringing out authentic Indian flavours with every bite. The result is tender karela with a rich, bold masala- perfect with roti, paratha or steamed rice.

Ingredients ( Serves 4)

8 medium karela

2 tbsp oil

1 large onion, finely sliced

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

1 medium tomato, finely chopped

Spice and Stuffing

2 teaspoons of Narpa kitchen king masala

1 teaspoon of Narpa everyday essentials mirch (red chili powder)

½ teaspoon of Narpa everyday essentials Haldi (turmeric)

1 teaspoon of Narpa everyday essentials dhania (coriander powder)

A pinch of Narpa everyday essentials jeera (cumin)

1 teaspoon of Narpa everyday essentials subzi masala

Salt as per your taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

½ teaspoon of Narpa garam masala (optional for finishing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bitter Gourd

First, wash the karelas and then pat them dry. Now, slit the karelas lengthwise through the middle and don’t cut them completely open - just make the pocket for the stuffing. Apply around the same amount of salt on the outside and inside of the karela- this will help the karela lose its bitterness. Keep it for about 10-15 minutes.

Make the Stuffing

In a mixing bowl, add Narpa kitchen king masala, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin, and subzi masala. Mix well and then add a pinch of salt and enough water to make a thick paste.

At this point, you can take karela and fill with the spice mixture egging a bit so it doesn't spill out. Heap them.

Cook the Bharwa Karela

Put a heavy pan on medium heat and pour oil into it. Throw in the sliced onions and fry them till they turn golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute or so until the aroma comes through.

Immediately after that, the stuffed karelas are to be placed in the pan with care. Cover and gentle down the heat to medium-low so that the karelas are softened. There will be a need to stir gently now and then to avoid tearing. After around 15 minutes, mix in the chopped tomato and add a bit of water if necessary to keep the curry from sticking.

Simmer and Finish

After the cooking process of karelas has been completed and their texture is soft, add some Narpa garam masala on the top for a few more minutes and then everything will become mixed up nicely.

The heat is off now. Top it with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Bharwa karela should be served hot with:

Missi roti or whole wheat rotis

Hot parathas with yogurt

Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice

This stuffed bitter gourd subzi can be very well accompanied by a cooling raita to counterbalance the bold spices.

Tips for Best Results

Making slits and salting the karela before the process of stuffing reduces the bitterness significantly.

Use mustard oil, then the flavor and aroma would be very much authentic.

The quantity of Narpa red chilli powder should be varied according to the person's tolerance for spicy food.

Using high-quality Narpa spices guarantees that each bite of bharwa karela is full of flavor, well-balanced, and has the traditional Indian taste in it. Relish this healthy, spicy subzi with the Indian breads or rice of your choice.