Lauki Recipe & Dudhi

Lauki is also known as Loki, Long Melon, Chinese Melon, Bottle Gourd, Asian Melons, smooth Luffa (Luffa aegyptiaca), and Luffa/Sinqua (Luffa acutangula) and Wax Gourd, Hairy/ Melon, etc. In India it is known as Dudhi or lauki.

In India lauki juice (bottle gourd juice) is becoming famous with the claims of its several health benefits. The bottle gourd or lauki juice may be used in treatment of indigestion, ulcers and acidity. It is claimed that the juice from its leaves is good for jaundice.

Lauki is low in fat, calories and cholesterol and high in dietary fiber, iron, potassium and vitamins C and B complex. 100gm of lauki contains only around 12 calories. It is considered good for children, sick people with weak digestions.

Lauki juice is useful in treating urinary problems like burning sensation in urine passage. Its alkaline nature can neutralize the acidity of urine. Drinking daily fresh lauli juice mixed with 1 tsp of lime juice can be used as a kidney stone remedy.

Lauki grown by the Authors (Length 123 cm, weighing 9.8 kg.

Recipe type: Low Fat, Cholesterol free
Preparation time: 20 minute

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped lauki
• 1/2 cup capsicum chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh or frozen peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp skim yoghurt
• 1 inch of ginger root, crushed
• 1/2 tsp each of red chili powder, turmeric powder & garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tbsp coriander, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup water

Preparation:

1. Mix all the spices in yoghurt. Take oil in a non-stick pan and heat it. Add spices and stir for about 4 minutes until oil separates.
2. Mix all the spices in yoghurt. Take oil in a non-stick pan and heat it. Add spices and stir for about 4 minutes until oil separates.
3. Add lauki, peas, capsicum and stir for 2 minutes. Add water and cook on medium heat for a few minutes until lauki becomes tender.
4. Garnish with corriander.

Serve with roti, bread or rice.

Lauki Kofta Recipe

Recipe type: Reduced Fat, Cholesterol free
Preparation time: 30 minute

Ingredients For Lauki Kofta

• 2 cups grated lauki
• 1 cup Besan
• 1 Onion large, chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 inch ginger, crushed
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Canola oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Preparation of Lauki Kofta

1. Take the grated lauki in a deep skillet, add some water and cook until tender. Drain and add besan, salt and 1/2 tsp of the chili powder. Add some water to make a loose dough. Make small 1 inch balls.
2. Deep fry the balls to a golden brown color on medium heat. Transfer the balls onto a kitchen towel to soak extra oil.
3. Heat a skillet and add 1 Tbsp oil. Put cumin seeds and stir untill they start to sputter. Add onion, garlic, chopped tomato, green chili and ginger. Add rest of the spices and stir for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup water. When the whole thing comes to boil put all the balls and cover the skillet with the lid. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with corianer leaves.