Growing up Lauki was a staple in our house. It was never my favorite as my family would attest and for me to post a recipe about lauki must be giving them a good laugh. Go ahead.. get it out of your system! 

This recipe is pretty straight forward but at the same time the ingredients all have numerous health benefits. One of the main ingredients is coriander powder. Coriander or cilantro is a big part of Indian cooking. The health benefits of coriander include its use in the treatment of skin inflammation, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, indigestion, menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care. You can learn more about it at https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-coriander.html

  • 750g/1.6lb bottle gourd, cut into cubes
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 green chillies, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp ghee/clarified butter
  • 1/2 cup coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup water
  1. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker.
  2. Add onions and green chilli and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add salt, turmeric and coriander powder and mix well.
  4. Next add the tomatoes and bottle gourd cubes just covering the tomatoes.
  5. Add 1/4 cup water and close the lid and allow it to cook it for 1 whistle.
  6. As soon as the pressure evaporates, open the lid and start cooking it on low heat till the ghee separates.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
  8. Serve hot.