In this article, we would talk about the recipes of bottle gourd or lauki as we call it in Hindi. Lauki or bottle gourd is believed to be one of the first plants to be cultivated in the world.
Another interesting aspect of this neutral flavored vegetable is that it is was used to make containers to store water in the earlier days.
Lauki individually has a neutral taste, however, it could create magic when mixed with certain masalas and condiments.
Benefits
Lauki or Bottle Gourd is a celebrated vegetable amongst the health gurus for its medicinal characteristics. It acts as a dehydrating agent and removes excess heat from the body. It keeps the stomach light and aids in digestion and also prevents unwanted diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. Lauki also strikes a balance in blood levels thus manages blood pressure. Lauki is fond of the heart and hence gives it a good health.
I am jotting down a list of lauki recipes that I am sure you would like to read and cook.
Recipe 1
Stuffed Lauki
This recipe will surely make Lauki a popular vegetable and increase its fan following.
Start the process by blanching the lauki(1 medium) in boiling water. Then peel, de-seed and split it horizontally.
For making the marinade mix 50 ml lemon juice, 1/2 tsp chili powder and2 tsp garam masala. After this pour the marinade over the lauki and keep this mix aside
Now heat about 2 Tbsp of oil in a pan and add 1/2 Tsp of cumin seeds, 150 gm diced tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 1 Tsp of ginger paste3 chopped green chilies, 1 Tbsp of chopped coriander, 2 Tsp of chopped garlic, 200 gm of grated paneer and Salt and pepper (to taste) in a pan . Stir fry this mixture for about 5 minutes.
Set the filling inside the lauki and secure with string. Wrap in a foil and bake in a very hot oven for 15-20 minutes.’
Your stuffed lauki is ready to be served hot with mint/coriander chutney.
Recipe 2
Lauki Ki Yakhni
This recipe is exciting as it covers a wide range of spices along with some curd to give it a smooth texture!
Recipe 3
Lauki Ka Daalna
This recipe is rich in spices and cooked in milk to give a creamy and smooth texture.
Start the process by heating 2 Tbsp of clarified butter and add 10 peppercorns, 8 cloves, 1/4 Tsp og broken cinnamon, 1/2 Tsp of fenugreek seeds, 1 Tsp of cumin and 2 black cardamoms.When slightly darkened, add green. When this mixture gets slightly darkened, add about 6 to 7 green chilies. Now when the mixture gets a smooth and shiny texture add 500 gm of properly scraped and finely chopped bottle-gourd/lauki and salt to taste.
Stir this over a high flame and coat it properly with ghee. Now lower the flame and cook with a lid on top. Cook till the lauki becomes tender. After this add 1Tsp of sugar and 1/2 cup of milk and cook over a medium flame. Continue this until all the excess liquid dries up.
Your lauki ka dalna is ready to be served hot topped with coriander leaves.
Recipe 4
Doodhi Ka Halwa
This is a very simple halwa made from bottle gourds and soy milk!
In a kadai, steer 1 and a 1/2 Tbsp margarine, 1/2 tsp butter and 1/2 Kg dhoodi(bottle gourd) together. Steer them and reduce them. Add 3tbsp jaggery into this mix. In a sauce pan, boil 100 ml soy milk and 25 gms chopped almonds together. Add the milk mix into the kadai. Mix all ingredients well. Garnish it with 25gms chopped pistachio. Serve hot.
Recipe 5
Ghiya Malaiwala Recipe
This bottle gourd recipe is a hit on the dining table.
Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a heavy based pan and add 2 tsp jee ra.When they begin to splutter, add 2 cups (500 g) bottle gourd(peeled and chopped) and the salt(to taste) and turn around a few times over high heat, till they look glossy. Lower the heat, cover and let cook till tender. Add 1/4 cup cream, mix well and serve hot garnished with 2 tbsp coriander leaves and 1 tbsp chillies.
So this was my list of the recipes of bottle-gourd. I hope you all liked it and would try it at home. And we all would really love it if you would share your set of recipes with us!
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