BHARLI KARLI / SOYA GRANULES STUFFED BITTER GOURD / भरली कारली

My husband just loves bitter gourd / karela and that too in any form. I still haven't managed to push myself into giving it a try but since he just loves these stuffed bitter gourds with soya granules, I am assuming they are good. I have never eaten or tasted them though other than tasting a bit of the stuffing masala, that too skeptically.

But for all those who love the humble karela.....this is for you.....

BHARLI KARLI (SOYA GRANULES STUFFED BITTER GOURD) भरली कारली   TYPE 1

INGREDIENTS

Karli / bitter gourd	2 nos
Soya granules	4 tbsp
Besan / Chickpea flour	2 tbsp
Salt	T.T.
Chilli pdr	½ tsp
Haldi / turmeric pdr	¼ tsp
Roasted Peanut pdr (optional)	1 tbsp
Imli / tamarind pulp	2 tbsp
Jaggery	1 tbsp
Jeera pdr / cumin pdr	1 tsp
Garam masala pdr	½ tsp
Oil	As req.

METHOD:

1.       Cut the bitter gourd lengthwise into half. Scoop out the seeds inside.

2.       Boil water, add little salt and drop in the bitter gourds. Cook them till they are soft but still firm.

3.       Remove them out and dry them with a paper towel to remove all the moisture from them.

4.       Soak soya granules in little hot water for 5 min. Strain them and squeeze out all the moisture.

5.       Mix together all the remaining ingredients with the soya granules except oil.

6.       Fill and press in tightly the prepared mix in the bitter gourd shells / halves.

7.       Heat little oil in a pan, and put in the stuffed gourds making sure the open filling side first touches the pan.

8.       Cook on that side till it turns golden brown. Turn it over and cook the other side too. Serve with a generous squeeze of lime at the side.