Vegan Raita

Bottle Gourd Raita Recipe

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Bottle Gourd Raita Recipe

Lauki ka raita is an easy, refreshing, savory condiment sauce made with bottle gourd and curd (yogurt). Lauki raita recipe (ghiya raita) is cooling to the palate and can be served with pulao, biryani or any Indian meal.

Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

  • Bottle gourd (Lauki/Doodhi): 1 medium-sized (about 1.5 cups when grated)
  • Yogurt (curd): 2 cups (thick and fresh)
  • Green chili: 1 (finely chopped)
  • Roasted cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Black salt: ½ teaspoon (or as per taste)
  • Salt: To taste
  • Chaat masala: ½ teaspoon (optional)
  • Fresh coriander leaves: 1-2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
  • Mustard seeds: ½ teaspoon (optional, for tempering)
  • Asafoetida (hing): A pinch (optional, for tempering)
  • Curry leaves: A few (optional, for tempering)
  • Oil: 1 teaspoon (optional, for tempering)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bottle Gourd:
    • Peel and grate the bottle gourd.
    • In a pan, add the grated bottle gourd and a little water. Cook it on medium heat until it becomes soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
    • Once cooked, let it cool completely. You can squeeze out the excess water if it seems too watery.
  2. Prepare the Yogurt Base:
    • In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt until it’s smooth and creamy.
    • Add salt, black salt, roasted cumin powder, and chaat masala (if using). Mix well.
  3. Combine the Ingredients:
    • Add the cooled, cooked bottle gourd to the yogurt mixture.
    • Add finely chopped green chili and fresh coriander leaves. Mix everything together.
  4. Optional Tempering:
    • Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
    • Add a pinch of asafoetida and a few curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
    • Pour this tempering over the raita.
  5. Serve:
    • Garnish with a little more roasted cumin powder and fresh coriander leaves.
    • Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish with biryani, pulao, or any Indian meal.

Tips:

  • Make sure to cook the bottle gourd properly; raw bottle gourd can sometimes be bitter.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your taste.
  • You can also add a bit of grated ginger or chopped mint leaves for additional flavor.

Enjoy your refreshing Bottle Gourd Raita!

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