By Garima Johar
May 5, 2026
Bharwa karela is a super healthy and lip-smacking sabzi made by slitting bitter gourd and filling it with a spicy masala. To make it just like your mother, here is a traditional North Indian recipe to follow.
6-8 karela 1 onion, finely chopped 2 green chillies, finely chopped 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon red chilli powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder 1/4 teaspoon garam masala Salt to taste 2 tablespoons oil
Cut the karela lengthwise, removing the seeds. Boil the karela pieces, drain, and set aside.
Heat some oil and saute chopped onion and green chillies.
Mix in ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chilli, coriander, and cumin powder. Add garam masala and salt.
Add masala to the slit karela pieces. Let the bharwa karela cook.
Once well-cooked, serve it with roti or rice.