Bottle Gourd Soup Recipes

Bottle Gourd Soup is a healthy and light soup made with bottle gourd (also known as calabash or lauki) as the main ingredient. It’s a soothing and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal. Here’s the recipe:

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Ready in: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or regular milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the mixture is aromatic.
2. Add the diced bottle gourd (lauki) to the pot and cook for a few minutes until the pieces are slightly softened.
3. Stir in the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the bottle gourd is tender.
5. Once the bottle gourd is cooked, turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly.
6. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
7. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the coconut milk or regular milk. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Reheat the soup if necessary before serving.
9. Ladle the Bottle Gourd Soup into individual bowls and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Enjoy the soothing and nutritious Bottle Gourd Soup as a light and healthy meal on its own or pair it with a salad or some crusty bread for a satisfying lunch or dinner option. This soup is not only delicious but also an excellent way to include bottle gourd in your diet for its health benefits.