how to make a lauki sabji

Ingredients

• 500 g Bottle Gourd (peeled, grated)
• 1 cup Plain Yogurt (full‑fat, at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Besan (Chickpea Flour) (sifted)
• 1 tsp Dry Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for tempering)
• 1/4 tsp Asafoetida (Hing) (use sparingly)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 10 pieces Curry Leaves (fresh)
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste (or freshly minced)
• 1 piece Green Chili (slit, optional for extra heat)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
• 2 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced for garlic fry)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bottle Gourd

   Peel the bottle gourd, grate it using a fine grater, then place the grated pulp on a muslin cloth. Gather the cloth and squeeze firmly to extract excess water into a bowl.

   Time: PT10M

2. Make the Yogurt‑Besan Mixture

   In a mixing bowl combine the extracted bottle‑gourd water, plain yogurt, sifted besan, dry red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps.

   Time: PT5M

3. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

   Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add hing, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. When the seeds sputter, stir in ginger‑garlic paste, slit green chili, and the squeezed grated bottle gourd. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes.

   Time: PT7M

4. Cook the Curry

   Pour the yogurt‑besan mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add a pinch of turmeric and salt if needed. Cook on low‑medium heat, stirring frequently, until the curry thickens and the raw flour taste disappears (about 12‑15 minutes).

   Time: PT15M

5. Finish and Garnish

   Stir in garam masala, chopped coriander leaves, butter, and the sliced garlic. Cook for another 2‑3 minutes until the butter melts and the garlic turns fragrant. Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for a minute before serving.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

180

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

3 g