Punjabi Bharwan Tinda (Stuffed Apple Gourd)

Bharwan Tinda is a traditional Punjabi vegetarian dish made using tinda (apple gourd), which is hollowed out and stuffed with a spicy, tangy masala filling. It’s lightly cooked with a tomato-onion base and served with roti or paratha. While tinda often has a “boring” reputation, this version is packed with flavor!

For the Stuffed Tinda:

Tinda (apple gourd) – 6 to 8 (small to medium-sized)
Besan (gram flour) – 3 tbsp
Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
Garlic – 4-5 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 tsp, grated
Green chili – 1, finely chopped
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Red chili powder – ½ tsp
Amchur (dry mango powder) – ½ tsp
Haldi (turmeric) – ¼ tsp
Salt – to taste
Mustard oil – 2 tbsp (or use ghee/oil of your choice)
Fresh coriander leaves – chopped (for garnish)

Optional for Gravy (if you prefer a saucy version):

Tomatoes – 2, finely chopped
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Garam masala – ½ tsp
Additional mustard oil – 1 tbsp

Preparation Steps:

1. Prep the Tinda (Apple Gourd):

Wash and peel the tindas.
Carefully slice off the tops and scoop out the insides with a spoon (don’t throw it away — you can add it to the stuffing or gravy).
Be gentle so the outer shell remains intact and forms a little bowl for stuffing.

2. Prepare the Masala Filling:

Dry roast the besan in a pan until aromatic and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.
In a bowl, mix:
- Roasted besan
- Chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chili
- Cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili, amchur, haldi, and salt
- Add a few drops of oil to bind it together into a thick paste.

3. Stuff the Tinda:

Fill each hollowed tinda generously with the masala mixture.
Use leftover stuffing as a base or mix it into the optional gravy later.

4. Cook the Tinda:

Heat mustard oil in a pan (let it smoke slightly to reduce pungency).
Place the stuffed tindas carefully in the pan.
Cook covered on low to medium heat, turning occasionally, until they’re soft and lightly browned (approx. 20–25 minutes).
Add a splash of water if needed to prevent burning.