Lauki no more lowkey! Delicious & Nutritious Lauki Recipes in a jiffy!

Who doesn’t love playing chef in the kitchen, whipping up delicious dishes while wearing a metaphorical (or actual) chef's hat?

While many of us are drawn to exotic recipes, our humble friend lauki (bottle gourd) often gets left behind. Fun fact - lauki is a nutritional powerhouse and low in calories, making it a perfect pick for weight watchers. But let's face it, lauki can seem a bit... well, boring. Fear not! With a sprinkle of organic masala magic, you can turn this underdog veggie into the star of the show.

Here are three lauki recipes that'll have you dancing with delight!

Lauki Keema

Lauki Keema might sound unusual, but it's a delightful vegetarian dish that you won't miss your meat preparations. It's quick and easy, taking less than 20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 250 gms grated lauki
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1/2 tsp ginger paste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp cumin (jeera)
  • Red chili powder
  • Turmeric powder
  • Oil

Instructions
1. Parboil the grated lauki and set it aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry the diced onions with cumin, ginger, and garlic paste.
3. Add salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Sauté well.
4. Add the parboiled lauki and stir again.
5. Mix in the garam masala and cook for 3-4 minutes.
6. Garnish with lemon juice and coriander leaves (optional).
7. Enjoy with roti or multi-grain bread.

Healthy Achari Lauki Tikki

Replace your deep-fried aloo cutlets with these Achari Lauki Tikkis. They offer the same delicious taste with fewer calories, making them perfect as a tea-time snack or a starter for lunch/dinner.

Ingredients

  • 450 gms grated lauki
  • 1 tsp achari masala
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Red chili powder
  • Turmeric powder
  • Corn flour
  • 1 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • Oil

Instructions
1. Grate the lauki in a large mixing bowl and squeeze out excess water.
2. Add all the ingredients except oil and breadcrumbs.
3. Lightly oil your palms and mix the ingredients well.
4. Form small, round flat cutlets (tikkis) from the mixture.
5. Heat three tablespoons of oil in a shallow pan on medium heat.
6. Coat the tikkis with breadcrumbs and shallow fry them until golden brown.
7. Sprinkle with chaat masala (optional).

Street Style Peri Peri Frankie (with Lauki)

Transform your favorite Mumbai snack, the frankie, into a healthier version using lauki and the magic of organic masala.

Ingredients

  • 100 gms diced lauki
  • 2 diced and thinly sliced onions
  • 3 tbsp green peas (matar)
  • 1 diced carrot
  • Salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • Chaat masala (optional)
  • 4 rotis/tortilla wraps

Instructions
1. Heat oil in a kadhaai and fry the onions until golden brown.
2. Add the peas, lauki, and carrot, and continue stirring.
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and peri peri masala. Cook on low flame for 15 minutes.
4. On a separate pan, cook the rotis/tortilla wraps on both sides.
5. Place the lauki sabzi on the roti, sprinkle with chaat masala, and garnish with thinly sliced onions.