Bottle gourd / Lauki ki sabji recipe
Lauki also known as bottle gourd, may not always be the first choice on our meal list, but when cooked right, it transforms into a flavorful and healthy dish that’s worth a try. Lauki is packed with vitamins and nutrients, especially vitamin c and iron, making it great for boosting your health. Whether you are looking for a simple side dish or a wholesome main course, this lauki ki sabji is perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs well with both rice and roti.
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients like flax seeds, sesame seeds and coconut giving it a unique flavor and texture.
Ingredient
- Lauki (bottle gourd) – 500 gm (peeled and cut into medium size pieces)
- Dried coconut (grated) – 1 tbsp
- Roasted chana dal – 1 tbsp
- Sesame seeds – 1 tsp
- Flax seeds – 1 tsp
- Cinnamon stick – small piece
- Cloves – 2
- Black peppercorns – 5
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Fenugreek seeds – 1/8 tsp
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Fennel seeds – 1/4 tsp
- Hing – 1/8 tsp
- Green chilies – 2 finely chopped
- Grated ginger – 1/2 tsp
- Grated fresh turmeric – 1/2 tsp
- Curry leaves – 1 sprig
- Dried red chili – 1
- Chopped tomatoes – 2 (med size)
- Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
- Red chili powder – 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – as per taste
- Tamarind water – 1.5 tbsp
- Fresh coriander – 1 tbsp
Method
- In a blender, add 1 tbsp grated dried coconut, 1 tbsp roasted chana dal, 1 tsp sesame seeds, 1 tsp flax seeds, 1 small piece of cinnamon, 2 cloves and 5 black peppercorns.
- Grind the mixture into a fine powder and set it aside. This powder will add richness add a healthy boost to the sabji.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan or kadai on medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Now add a pinch of fenugreek seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp fennel seeds add a pinch of hing. Stir them for a few seconds until they release their aroma.
- Now add 2 finely chopped green chilies, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, 1/2 tsp grated fresh turmeric (if available), a spring of curry leaves and 1 dried red chili. Saute these for a minute.
- Next we have to add 2 chopped tomatoes. Stir it well and cover the pan with a lid to let the tomatoes soften. This will take around 5 minutes.
- Once the tomatoes have turned soft and mushy, add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder.
- Mix well and cook for another 2 – 3 minutes until the spices are well combined with the tomatoes.
- Next add the spices mix (ground coconut, chana dal, sesame seeds, flax seeds, etc.) prepared earlier into the pan and mix well.
- Now pour in some water (just enough to cook the lauki), and stir everything together.
- Add the chopped lauki pieces into the pan and mix to coat them with the spices and masala.
- Now cover the pan with lid and let the lauki cook on medium to low heat for about 20 minutes or until it turns soft. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the lauki is cooked well and soft, add salt as per taste and 1.5 tbsp tamarind water for a tangy flavor. Stir everything well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves on top and give the sabji a final mix.
- Our delicious and healthy lauki ki sabji is ready turn off the flame and serve! Pair it with hot chapati or phulka, parathas, or stemmed rice for wholesome and nutritious meal.
Next time you think of skipping lauki? try this recipe and you’ll be surprised at how flavorful and enjoyable it can be! For more such healthy and tasty recipes, stay tuned!
