With the pitter-patter of rain and the gentle touch of a cool breeze, the monsoon provides soothing relief from the unbearable heat waves. This season is all about eye-catching greenery, the wonderful scent of wet soil, and some delectable seasonal delights. Chai-pakora, corn, and fresh fruits and vegetables are some popular monsoon picks for meals.
Along with satisfying our taste buds, it is also important to take care of our health in this season, as we might be more susceptible to diseases like colds, coughs, and stomach infections. We need to boost our immunity during the rainy season, and for this, nothing can be better than healthy vegetables. Bottle gourd, commonly known as lauki, is a nutrient-rich monsoon food item that has many benefits. It is high in vitamin C and antioxidants that help improve the immune system and fight infections.
Lauki is a water-rich vegetable that also hydrates our body during humid weather. So, here are five irresistible bottle gourd recipes you can enjoy during the monsoon:
Lauki Kofta
Lauki kofta is a mouth-watering dish for lunch and dinner that is made with grated bottle gourd, tomatoes, and a flavourful blend of spices that includes black pepper, coriander powder, garam masala, and more. Cooked to perfection, this dish goes well with both rice and roti. It is also a great vegetarian option for house parties and family celebrations. If you are making lauki kofta, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated bottle gourd before adding it to the mixture. This will help the koftas hold their shape better.
Lauki Paratha
If you are bored of your regular stuffed parathas, try this one. It is a nutritious and tasty flatbread that is made with a flavourful mixture of grated bottle gourd, green chillies, and spices like garam masala. Lauki paratha is a great choice for breakfast, but it can also become a part of your other two meals. For lauki paratha, you can also add some grated carrots or spinach to the mixture for extra flavour and nutrition. You can enjoy this paratha with chutney or any of your favourite curries.
Lauki Pakora
Talking about monsoons, how can we miss the tradition of eating pakora with a hot cup of tea? This version of the fritter is made by combining regular ingredients like gram flour, chillies, ginger, and spices with grated or sliced bottle gourds. They are crispy, delicious, and easy to prepare. When making lauki pakora, be sure to fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. You can pair the pakoras with chutney, ketchup, or tea.
Lauki Halwa
Halwa is one of our favourite desserts and is usually prepared with sooji, besan, or atta. But have you ever tried lauki halwa? This sweet treat is made with jaggery, milk, bottle gourd, and a handful of dry fruits and nuts. Serve this nutritious and tasty dessert once at the dinner table, and your family members are surely going to ask for more. For lauki halwa, you can use either jaggery or sugar. If you are using jaggery, be sure to crush it into a fine powder before adding it to the milk.
Lauki Raita
This is a popular accompaniment that is widely enjoyed during the summer and monsoon. It helps keep your body cool during the hot and humid weather. This refreshing dish is made with grated bottle gourd, curd, chillies, coriander leaves, and a few spices like cumin powder. To make lauki raita, you can also add some chopped onions and tomatoes to the mixture. You can enjoy lauki raita for both lunch and dinner.