Calabash…a gourd with fascinating uses- In Mexico hot stones were dropped into the gourd containing vegetables and fish to prepare soups. Africans used it to brew beer while the Mayans used them as beehives. Versatile for storage of cheese, butter, meat, and grains in ancient times, these gourds were popular as the Kamandal, a receptacle to store and carry water. The gourd has mentions in Hindu mythology and is well-depicted in temple sculptures. The NCERT textbook mentions how farmers used to store good seeds in these gourds slathered with mud. Can you guess this popular vegetable?? …
YES, it’s the Desi Laukhi commonly known as the bottle gourd. An underrated but a versatile vegetable that can be sauteed, fried, roasted, juiced, steamed….It blends beautifully with Indian food ingredients thus lending itself into the tasty preparation of koftas, parathas, dal, kootu, halwa…the list is endless. A high fibre and moisture vegetable this is definitely a weight watchers delight Foodialogues brings to you an interesting Laukhi Bhartha. The smoky flavour of the burnt vegetables adds to its delectable taste.
Laukhi Bhartha Recipe
Ingredients for Laukhi Bhartha:
- Bottle gourd 1 medium
- Tomatoes 2 big
- Onion 1 big
- Garlic pods 3
- Garam masala 1 tsp
- Green chilly 2
- Finely chopped coriander leaves 2 tbsp
- Turmeric powder 1 tsp
- Chilly powder 1 tsp
- Cumin 1 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Oil 2 tsp
Preparation Method for Laukhi Bhartha:
- Smear some oil on the bottle gourd, tomato, garlic, and green chilly.
- Roast it on an open flame till the outer skin turns black.
- Cool the vegetables. peel the gourd, garlic, and tomato.
- Mash the gourd and tomato coarsely and set aside.
- Crush the green chilly along with coriander and garlic and set aside.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan. add oil and splutter cumin till black. Add the sliced onions and sauté till pink.
- Add the mashed gourd-tomato mixture. Add salt and the spice powders. Mix and cook on low flame for about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed green chilly coriander/garlic and blend well into the mixture. Cook on low flame for another 2 minutes. Remove and serve hot with roti /pulka.
Delicious “Laukhi Bhartha” is Ready 🙂
