Bottle Gourd Curry (Lauki Sabzi)

Name: Bottle Gourd Curry (Lauki Sabzi)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 kg Bottle Gourd (Lauki); 3 tbsp Oil; 0.5 cup Onion (finely chopped); 1 Green Chilli (chopped); 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste; 1 cup Tomato (finely chopped); 1 tbsp Coriander Seed (coarse/powder); 1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder; 1 tsp Turmeric; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Garam Masala; 0.5 cup Water; 1 Ghee (optional); Coriander Leaves (chopped;for garnishing)

A quick and healthy lunch with bottle gourd (lauki) prepared in an Indian style. This recipe is easy yet highly nourishing, healthy and nutritious. It is low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, and rich in dietary fibre. It also contains plenty of vitamin K and potassium, which helps maintain bone health. This recipe is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Have it with roti or paratha, or serve it as a side dish.

Step 1

Wash, peel and cut bottle gourd (lauki) into small pieces (½ inch approx).

Step 2

Heat oil in a pressure cooker on low to medium flame. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Step 3

Add onions and green chillies to the pressure cooker. Stir and cook till the onions are translucent and slightly pink.

Step 4

Add ginger garlic paste, mix and stir for a minute.

Step 5

Add tomatoes, coriander seeds, kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric and salt. Mix and cook for 4-5 minutes or until oil oozes to the surface. Keep stirring at intervals.

Step 6

Add bottle gourd pieces to the cooker and mix nicely. Stir constantly and cook on medium to high flame for about 2 minutes. If the masala sticks to the bottom, sprinkle some water and stir.

Step 7

Cover the pressure cooker with a lid (do not close the pressure cooker lid), and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally in intervals.

Step 8

Add water, close the pressure cooker lid, cook for 2-3 whistles, and turn off the flame. (Let the cooker release its steam naturally).

Step 9

Remove the cooker's lid, check the seasoning, and adjust to your taste. (If there is excess water, cook the dish on a high flame without the top until it reaches the desired consistency).

Step 10

Add garam masala and ghee. Mix and cook for a few seconds. Turn off the flame.

Step 11

Garnish with green coriander and serve hot with roti, paratha or rice.

You can pick a fresh bottle gourd to cook, and it's better in taste and cooks faster. To check the freshness, it should be pale green and smooth.

You can store cooked bottle gourd in an airtight container in a refrigerator for 2-3 days.

You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. To consume, firstly defrost and then reheat.

The number of servings will depend on the quantity of the dish served.

What is the cooking process for making Bottle Gourd Curry (Lauki Sabzi)?

To make Bottle Gourd Curry, start by washing, peeling, and cutting the bottle gourd into small pieces. Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Then, sauté onions and green chillies until the onions are translucent. Add ginger garlic paste, tomatoes, and spices, cooking until the oil separates. Mix in the bottle gourd pieces, cover the cooker, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Finally, add water, close the lid, and cook for 2-3 whistles. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Is Bottle Gourd Curry suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, Bottle Gourd Curry (Lauki Sabzi) is completely vegan and gluten-free. It is made with plant-based ingredients and does not contain any animal products or gluten, making it a healthy option for those following these dietary restrictions.

What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Bottle Gourd Curry?

If you don't have bottle gourd, you can substitute it with zucchini or squash for a similar texture. For the spices, you can adjust the heat level by using less green chilli or substituting Kashmiri red chilli powder with paprika for a milder flavor. If you prefer, you can also use vegetable oil instead of ghee for a completely oil-free version.

How should I store leftover Bottle Gourd Curry?

Leftover Bottle Gourd Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What dishes pair well with Bottle Gourd Curry?

Bottle Gourd Curry is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. You can serve it with roti, paratha, or rice for a complete meal. Additionally, it goes well with a side of yogurt or raita to balance the spices and enhance the flavors.