Lauki Doodhi Squash Indian - Per Lb

Lauki (bottle gourd)! It's a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine known for its mild flavor and health benefits. Lauki is often used in savory dishes like curries, stews, and even fritters. It's light and easy to digest, making it a great option for a healthy meal.

However, if you're just curious about traditional lauki recipes, here are some classic ways to enjoy lauki :

1. Lauki ki Sabzi (Bottle Gourd Curry)

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized lauki (bottle gourd), peeled and diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 2-3 green chilies, chopped

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 tablespoon oil

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lauki: Peel the bottle gourd, remove the seeds (if any), and chop it into small cubes.

2. Cook the Base:

   • Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

   • Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.

3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

   • Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and spices (turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder). Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

4. Cook Lauki:

   • Add the chopped lauki to the pan and mix well. Add salt and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until it starts to soften.

   • Add a little water, cover the pan, and cook until the lauki is tender (about 10-15 minutes).

5. Finish and Garnish:

   • Sprinkle garam masala on top and mix well. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

6. Serve:

   • Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.

2. Lauki Kofta Curry

Lauki Kofta is a popular dish where the grated bottle gourd is used to make soft, delicious koftas, which are then served in a rich gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium lauki (grated)

• 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

• Salt to taste

• Oil for frying

• For the curry:

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 1 tomato, chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

  • Salt to taste

  • Fresh cream (optional for richness)

Instructions:

1. Make Koftas:

   • Squeeze out excess water from the grated lauki.

   • In a bowl, mix the grated lauki with besan, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Make small balls from this mixture.

   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the lauki balls (koftas) until golden brown. Drain them on paper towels.

2. Prepare the Curry:

   • In a separate pan, heat some oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add onions and sauté until golden.

   • Add ginger-garlic paste, chopped tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes soften.

   • Add coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes.

   • Add some water to make the curry base and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Finish:

   • Gently add the koftas into the curry and cook for another 5 minutes so that the koftas soak in the flavors.

   • If desired, add a little fresh cream to make the gravy richer.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the Lauki Kofta Curry with naan, roti, or rice.