Lauki ki Sabji

• Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving): Calories: 150-180 kcal | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 8g

• The Story Behind Lauki ki Sabzi (History):

   Lauki ki Sabzi is the epitome of simple, healthy, and home-style Indian cooking. Bottle gourd ("lauki") is a vegetable known for its high water content and cooling properties, making this dish particularly popular in the summer. It's a staple in households across North India, often recommended for being light and easy to digest.

  

  
  

• Ingredients

• 1 medium Bottle Gourd (Lauki), peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp Oil

• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds

• 1 Onion, chopped

• 1 Tomato, chopped

• 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste

• Spices (turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder)

• Salt to taste

• Method

• Sauté: Heat oil. Sauté cumin seeds, then onions and ginger-garlic paste.

• Cook Masala: Add tomatoes and all powdered spices. Cook until tomatoes are soft.

• Simmer: Add the lauki, salt, and ½ cup of water. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until lauki is tender.

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Pro Tips & Fun Facts (Tidbits):

• The key to a flavorful Lauki ki Sabzi is to not add too much water. The bottle gourd has a very high water content and will release a lot of moisture as it cooks. Cooking it in its own juices concentrates its flavor. For a different texture, you can also mash the cooked lauki slightly.

  
  

  Instant Pot Method:

• Use "Sauté" mode to prepare the masala. Add lauki, salt, and ¼ cup of water. Pressure cook on "High" for 4 minutes. Quick Release.

• Air-Fryer Method:

Note: This recipe is not suitable for an Air-Fryer.