Lauki Ka Salan – Bottle Gourd Salan Recipe
Description:
Lauki Ka Salan is a flavorful and comforting dish that is a variation of the popular Andhra Mirchi Ka Salan. This recipe combines the subtle taste of bottle gourd (lauki) with a rich, tangy, and aromatic gravy made from peanuts, sesame seeds, fresh coconut, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and tamarind. The result is a delightful vegetarian curry that pairs wonderfully with rice, paratha, or biryani for a satisfying lunch.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki), cut into 1/2 inch discs | 500 grams |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1 inch piece |
| Green chilies, slit | 4 |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (rai/kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Methi seeds (fenugreek seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Tamarind water | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes, pureed | 2 |
| Oil | As required for cooking |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (dhania) leaves, chopped | 3 sprigs |
| To be Ground into a Paste | |
| Roasted peanuts (moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame seeds (til seeds) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 3 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
To begin with, gather and prep all your ingredients. Chop the onions, garlic, ginger, and slit the green chilies. Cut the bottle gourd into 1/2 inch discs and set them aside. Make a puree of the tomatoes and keep it ready.
Step 2: Grind the Paste
In a mixer grinder, combine the roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and grated coconut. Add a little water to facilitate grinding and blend everything into a smooth paste. Set this paste aside.
Step 3: Temper the Spices
Take a kadai or a deep pan and heat some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds, methi seeds, and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle and release their aroma. Once done, add the slit green chilies, chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.
Step 4: Cook the Tomato Mixture
Next, stir in the tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook the mixture over medium heat, letting it boil for a couple of minutes. This helps the spices infuse into the gravy.
Step 5: Add the Bottle Gourd
Now, add the bottle gourd discs into the pan, followed by the tamarind water. Pour in about 1/4 cup of additional water, ensuring that the bottle gourd is well covered. Stir everything together, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the bottle gourd becomes tender and cooked through.
Step 6: Incorporate the Ground Paste
Once the bottle gourd is cooked, stir in the peanut-sesame paste you made earlier. Mix well and let the Lauki Ka Salan simmer for another 3-4 minutes. This will help the gravy thicken and take on a rich, smooth consistency.
Step 7: Final Touches
Check the salt and spice levels, adjusting according to your taste. Once satisfied, turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Lauki Ka Salan into a serving bowl and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani, Tawa Paratha, or Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with Dangar Pachadi made with grated carrots.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Lauki Ka Salan is perfect when served with fragrant basmati rice or jeera rice.
- Flatbreads: Pair it with warm Tawa Paratha or Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha for a filling lunch or dinner.
- Side Dishes: Serve with raita or a tangy chutney to balance the flavors.
Tips
- Tamarind Substitute: If you don’t have tamarind water, you can use a little lemon juice for the tangy kick, but adjust the quantity to taste.
- Spice Level: Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder based on your preference for spice.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, allow the salan to simmer for a bit longer after adding the ground paste.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20 grams |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
| Fat | 8 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 500 mg |
| Vitamin A | 6% of the Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 10% of the Daily Value |
| Calcium | 4% of the Daily Value |
| Iron | 8% of the Daily Value |
Lauki Ka Salan is an ideal dish for those who want a flavorful vegetarian curry packed with spices and the goodness of bottle gourd. Whether you’re hosting a special lunch or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish is sure to be a hit! Enjoy this delightful Andhra classic with your favorite accompaniments for a truly satisfying experience.
