Bottle Gourd Recipe
A simple and healthy bottle gourd recipe featuring fresh spices and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 -inch ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup waterFresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Bottle Gourd:
- Peel the bottle gourd and dice it into small cubes. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until golden brown.
Cook the Tomatoes:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture turns into a thick paste.
Add the Bottle Gourd:
- Add the diced bottle gourd to the pan and mix well to coat with the spices.
Simmer:
- Add water and salt, cover, and let it cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the bottle gourd is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top and serve hot with rice, roti, or as a side dish.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked bottle gourd before serving.
- For added protein, you can include cooked lentils or chickpeas in the recipe.