Delicious Dhaba-Style Lauki Ki Sabji Recipe
Lauki Ki Sabji Recipe
Bottle gourd, commonly known as lauki, often faces disdain from both kids and adults alike. However, when prepared with a unique twist and special spices, it can compete with popular dishes like Shahi Paneer or Chicken Curry. Today, we present a special 'dhaba-style' recipe for lauki that will make even its skeptics enjoy it. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful preparation.
Ingredients Needed
To roast the bottle gourd:
500g bottle gourd (chopped into small pieces)
Oil (to taste)
1 tsp salt, 1 tsp turmeric powder, ½ cup water
Tomato-Ginger Paste:
2 tomatoes
5-6 garlic cloves
1-inch ginger piece
2-3 green chilies, a bit of water
Crushed Spices:
½ tsp whole coriander seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp fennel seeds
For the Secret Tadka and Gravy:
1 tbsp mustard oil
1 pinch asafoetida
½ tsp fenugreek seeds
2 finely chopped onions
1 tbsp gram flour (besan) for thickening
Dry Spices: ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tsp spicy red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp salt (to taste)
Flavor Enhancers: ½ tsp Kitchen King masala, ½ tsp dried fenugreek leaves, ½ tsp garam masala
For finishing: 1 tbsp fresh cream, chopped fresh coriander leaves
Step-by-Step Preparation
1: Make the Paste and Crush Spices
Start by blending tomatoes, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and a little water in a mixer until smooth. Set aside. Coarsely crush the coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds.
2: Sauté the Bottle Gourd
Heat oil in a pan over high heat and add the chopped bottle gourd. Avoid adding salt or turmeric initially to prevent water release. After a minute, add salt and turmeric, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until golden. Add water, cover, and cook on medium-low for 3-4 minutes until 60-70% cooked. Turn off the heat.
3: Prepare the Gravy
In another pan, heat mustard oil until it smokes. Reduce heat, add asafoetida and crushed spices, then add onions. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until light golden.
4: Add Gram Flour and Spices
Mix in gram flour and roast on low heat. Add turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and spicy red chili powder. Sauté for a minute, then add soaked fenugreek seeds with water.
5: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Cream
Add the tomato paste and salt to the spice mix. Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes until oil separates. Stir in Kitchen King masala, dried fenugreek leaves, and garam masala. Adjust gravy consistency with water and add fresh cream.
6: Simmer on Low Heat
Add the pre-roasted bottle gourd to the gravy. If too thick, add water. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Your hot, dhaba-style spicy bottle gourd dish is now ready! Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with roti, paratha, or steamed rice. Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for more!