Doodhi (Bottle Gourd/ Lauki) Raita

Initially, I didn't know any other dish of Doodhi/Bottle Gourd except koftas :)(creamy fried balls dipped in curry). Even though it is a yummy dish it takes quite some time to prepare. Then I discovered few other quick dishes to make using this gorgeous and extremely healthy vegetable. I cook it regularly now and this raita is one of it. Bottle Gourd somehow became very popular in the last couple of years as its benefits regarding weight loss came into the picture. Everyone who is health conscious started using it in their diet and probably started seeing the results too. The juice of lauki was made in every other household is what I had heard ;) Now this recipe here is quick, simple, easy and tasty.

Let us take a look at the recipe:

DOODHI/LAUKI RAITA

Ingredients:

• 1 med size doodhi (lauki/bottle gourd)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup water (or more)
• 2-3 tsp oil
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
• pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 1 dry red chilli
• 1 green chilli
• salt as per taste
• 8 curry leaves

  

  Doodhi Raita with Tempering

Preparation:

• Peel the skin off from doodhi and chop it into bite size cubes.
• In a vessel, add water and cook the lauki with a green chilli in it. Around 15 minutes or till done. Don't over cook it because then it gets soggy.
• Drain off the water and leave it to cool down.
• In another bowl, add yogurt, water and whisk it till it's smooth. Now add the cooled and cooked pieces of lauki, salt and fold it in.
• Make a tempering, heat oil, add mustard seeds once it splutters add curry leaves, dry red chilli and hing. Pour this over the yogurt and lauki mixture. Mix everything before serving. 
• Serve chill or at room temperature. Can be enjoyed with rice or roti.

njoY!! happY cookinG!!

Health Benefits:  It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin A, C and folate in abundance. Bottle gourd is very good for digestion. It is cooling, calming, diuretic and anti-bilious.Lauki helps in weight loss, especially lauki juice. It is extremely popular for reducing high blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy. In Ayurveda, it is also known to prevent premature greying. Lauki or bottle gourd juice with a pinch of sea salt maintains the electrolyte balance in the body. This is also a great remedy for diarrhea.