Bottle gourd is also known as Lauki which is a popular vegetable in many parts of the world. It belongs to the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers, squash, and melons. Bottle gourd is long and usually pale green in color, with a smooth skin. It can be cooked in various ways, such as stir-frying, boiling, or even grilling. Bottle gourd is one of the best nutritious vegetable due to low in calories and high in fiber it digest quickly. It also contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin B, and potassium, which are important for overall health.
What is bottle gourd?
Bottle gourd is also known as Lauki which is a vegetable belongs to the gourd family.
What does bottle gourd look like?
Bottle gourd is long and usually pale green in color with a smooth skin.
How can bottle gourd be cooked?
Bottle gourd can be cooked in various ways, such as stir-frying, boiling, or grilling.
What is the flavor of bottle gourd?
Bottle gourd has a mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
What are the nutrition found in bottle gourd ?
Bottle gourd is nutritious, It has low in calories, high in fiber, and contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin B, and potassium.
What are the health benefits of bottle gourd?
Bottle gourd is good for digestion due to its high fiber content. It also contains vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health.
How to make bottle gourd soup ?
Ingredients for Bottle Gourd Soup
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bottle gourd, peeled and chopped
4 cups of vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Making Process
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped bottle gourd to the pot and sauté for for 5 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs
How to make bottle gourd sabji ?
Ingredients for bottle gourd sabji (curry)
1 bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons of oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 green chili, chopped (optional)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
Salt to taste
Making Process
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
Add the chopped tomato and green chili (if using) and cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another minute.
Add the chopped bottle gourd and mix well to coat the pieces with the spices.
Cover the pan and let the sabji cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes
Once the bottle gourd is cooked, remove the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let any excess moisture evaporate.
Serve hot with roti or rice.
What is the scientific name of Bottle Gourd ?
The scientific name of bottle gourd is Lagenaria siceraria.
Who should not eat Bottle Gourd ?
Allergy: Some people may be allergic to bottle gourd. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, avoid eating bottle gourd and consult with a healthcare professional.
Digestive Issues: Bottle gourd is high in fiber, which can be beneficial for digestion. However, some people with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience discomfort or bloating after consuming high-fiber foods.
Medication Interactions: If you are taking medication, especially for blood pressure or diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider before adding bottle gourd to your diet. Bottle gourd may interact with certain medications, affecting their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume bottle gourd in moderation. Excessive intake may not be suitable due to its diuretic properties, which could potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances.
What is Bottle Gourd family name ?
Bottle gourd belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which is also known as the gourd family. This family includes other well-known vegetables such as cucumbers, squash, and melons.
What is bottle gourd called in German?
In German, bottle gourd is called “Flaschenkürbis” .
What is bottle gourd called in Spanish ?
In Spanish, bottle gourd is called “calabaza”.
What is bottle gourd called in French ?
In French, bottle gourd is called “calebasse” or “courge calebasse”.
What is bottle gourd called in Arabic ?
In Arabic, bottle gourd is called “قرع” (pronounced as “qaraa”).
How to make bottle gourd kheer ?
Ingredients for bottle gourd kheer
1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki/doodhi)
1 liter full-fat milk
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup rice, washed and drained
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
1 tablespoon raisins
Ghee (clarified butter) for frying the nuts (optional)
Making Process
i.Heat a little ghee in a pan and fry the chopped nuts until they are golden brown. Set aside.
In the same pan, add the grated bottle gourd and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft. Set aside.
ii.In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil.
iii.Add the washed and drained rice to the boiling milk. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
iv.Cook the rice in the milk on low heat until it is soft and the milk has reduced by about half, stirring occasionally.
v.Add the sautéed bottle gourd to the milk and rice mixture. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
Add the sugar, cardamom powder, chopped nuts, and raisins to the kheer. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Remove the kheer from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
