A water-rich, soft vegetable that’s easy to digest and often used in soups, dals, and sabzis. Ideal for weight management and cooling the body. Supplied by Lalit, Xu1, Greater Noida.
 
Recipe You Should Definitely Try:
 
How to Make Lauki Paratha – Spiced Bottle Gourd Flatbread**
 
 Ingredients:
 
For Dough:
Whole wheat flour – 2 cups
Salt – ½ tsp
Ghee or oil – 1 tsp
Water – as needed
For Stuffing (option 1: dry stuffing method):
Bottle gourd (lauki) – 1½ cups, peeled & grated
Green chili – 1, finely chopped
Ginger – 1 tsp, grated
Red chili powder – ½ tsp
Turmeric – ¼ tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Garam masala – ¼ tsp
Salt – to taste
Fresh coriander – chopped
Ajwain – ¼ tsp (optional)
 Squeeze the grated lauki gently to remove excess moisture before mixing the spices.
 Save the squeezed water to knead the dough for extra flavor!
 
 Method:
 
1. Prepare the Dough:
Mix flour, salt, and ghee.
Knead a soft dough using water or the squeezed lauki juice. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
Mix grated and squeezed lauki with spices, ginger, green chili, and coriander.
If the stuffing feels too wet, sprinkle a little dry flour or besan to bind.
3. Roll & Stuff:
Make medium balls from the dough.
Roll one into a small disc. Place 1–2 tbsp of stuffing in the center.
Bring the edges together, seal, and flatten.
Roll gently into a paratha (don’t press too hard to avoid tearing).
4. Roast the Paratha:
Heat a tawa. Place the rolled paratha. Cook both sides until golden brown.
Apply ghee or oil on both sides and roast till crisp spots appear.
 
Pairs With:
 
Curd or raita
Pickle (achar)
Butter or white makhan
Chutney or even a simple dal