Bottle Gourd Curry, Stir-Fry, Soup, and Kofta Curry
Explore a variety of vegetarian recipes featuring bottle gourd, a versatile and healthy vegetable used in curries, stir-fries, soups, and kofta.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Bottle Gourd Curry
- 1 medium bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- to taste salt
- to garnish fresh coriander leaves
Ingredients for Bottle Gourd Stir-Fry
- 1 medium bottle gourd, peeled and julienned
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- to taste salt
- to garnish fresh coconut, grated (optional)
Ingredients for Bottle Gourd Soup
- 1 medium bottle gourd, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- to garnish fresh coriander leaves
Ingredients for Bottle Gourd Kofta Curry
- 1 medium bottle gourd, grated
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil for curry
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- to taste salt
- to garnish fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
Bottle Gourd Curry
- Start by peeling the bottle gourd and cutting it into small cubes. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the bottle gourd cubes and stir. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Bottle Gourd Stir-Fry
- In a wok, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add sliced onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in the julienned bottle gourd and turmeric powder. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and add grated coconut if using. Mix well and serve hot.
Bottle Gourd Soup
- In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft.
- Add the chopped bottle gourd and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Bottle Gourd Kofta Curry
- Combine grated bottle gourd, besan, cumin seeds, and salt in a bowl to form a dough.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry koftas until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste, pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
- Gently add the fried koftas to the curry and simmer for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with rice or roti.
Notes
Bottle gourd is nutritious and versatile. It's low in calories and high in water content, making it perfect for weight management. Experiment with spices and cooking methods to enhance flavor.