Delicious Bottle Gourd Recipes for Navratri Fasting

During Navratri, fasting can be challenging, especially when it comes to meal variety. This article presents five easy and delicious bottle gourd recipes that are perfect for fasting. From sweet *lauki ki barfi* to savory *cheelas* and *koftas*, these dishes not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide essential nutrients. Explore these simple recipes to add flavor and nutrition to your fasting meals and make your Navratri experience more enjoyable.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 15, 2026, 16:29 IST

Tasty Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Dishes for Navratri

Delicious Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Recipes for Navratri Fasting: During the nine days of Navratri, individuals observing fasts focus on consuming *phalahar* (food suitable for fasting). This generally includes fruits, milk, and various dishes allowed during the fast. However, for those fasting for the entire duration, creating new and appetizing meals daily can be quite a task. In this context, bottle gourd (*lauki*), known for its numerous health benefits, serves as a fantastic ingredient. It can be transformed into a variety of tasty and simple fasting-friendly dishes, enhancing both flavor and diversity in your diet during this period. Here are five easy *phalahar* recipes featuring bottle gourd that you can try during your Navratri fast.

Bottle Gourd Barfi (*Lauki ki Barfi*): While you may be familiar with traditional *khoya* (milk solids) *barfi*, during Navratri, you can indulge in *lauki ki barfi*—a delightful treat that combines great taste with essential nutrients.

Ingredients: Grated bottle gourd, *khoya*, ghee, sugar, full-cream milk, and ground cardamom.

Method: In a pan, bring the milk to a boil. Add the grated bottle gourd and cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Stir in the sugar. Once the milk evaporates and the mixture thickens, incorporate the *khoya*. Add ghee and ground cardamom, mixing thoroughly. Grease a plate with ghee and spread the bottle gourd mixture evenly. Garnish with pistachios and other dried fruits, then refrigerate to cool. Once chilled, cut into *barfi* shapes and serve.

Bottle Gourd *Cheela* (Savory Pancakes): If you're in the mood for something savory and crispy while fasting, *lauki ke cheele* (bottle gourd pancakes) are an excellent option.

Ingredients: Grated bottle gourd (lauki), buckwheat (kuttu) or water chestnut (singhara) flour, green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, cumin seeds, rock salt (sendha namak), and ghee.

Method: Combine the grated bottle gourd with buckwheat or water chestnut flour to form a thick batter. Add finely chopped green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and rock salt, mixing well. Spread the batter on a hot, greased griddle (tawa) and cook the *cheela* on both sides until golden and crispy. Serve with yogurt (curd).

Sweet Bottle Gourd Kheer: For those who enjoy sweets, *lauki ki kheer* (bottle gourd pudding) is a delightful and traditional dish perfect for fasting.

Ingredients: Bottle gourd, milk, sugar or rock sugar (*mishri*), cardamom, and chopped almonds and pistachios.

Method: Sauté the grated bottle gourd in a bit of ghee. Add milk and cook on low heat. Once thickened, stir in rock sugar and cardamom. Garnish with nuts and serve warm or chilled.

Bottle Gourd Koftas: If you're looking to create something special with bottle gourd during Navratri, these soft and delicious *koftas* (dumplings) are a must-try. They can enhance your fasting meal, making it both tasty and nutritious. Enjoy them with *cheelas*, *rotis*, or *puris* made from buckwheat or water chestnut flour.

Ingredients: Grated bottle gourd, water chestnut or buckwheat flour, green chilies, rock salt, and ghee.

Method: Squeeze out excess water from the grated bottle gourd. Combine with buckwheat or water chestnut flour, finely chopped green chilies, and rock salt to form a mixture. Shape into small *koftas* and deep-fry (or shallow-fry) in ghee until light golden brown. For a healthier option, use an *appe* pan (a pan with small, round molds) and cook thoroughly over low heat. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with *kuttu* (buckwheat) flatbread or yogurt.

Sabudana-Lauki Khichdi: A *khichdi* made with *lauki* (bottle gourd) and *sabudana* (sago/tapioca pearls) is a light, healthy, and delicious dish for fasting.

Ingredients: *Lauki* (bottle gourd), *sabudana* (sago), peanuts, green chilies, ghee, *sendha namak* (rock salt), and lemon.

Method: Sauté green chilies and peanuts in ghee. Add grated *lauki* and cook. Mix in soaked *sabudana* and *sendha namak*...