Lauki Badi Ki Sabzi – A Traditional Rajasthani Delight
Lauki Badi Ki Sabzi, a beloved dish from the heart of Rajasthan, is a delightful fusion of bottle gourd and flavorful fried vadas. This simple yet delicious sabzi is quick to make and perfect for those busy days when you want something hearty and fulfilling in no time. Known for its soothing flavors and versatility, Lauki Badi Ki Sabzi is typically enjoyed with warm rotis or parathas and a side of dal. For a complete and authentic Rajasthani meal, pair it with Panchmel Dal and Tawa Paratha.
This dish brings together the freshness of bottle gourd with the savory, crispy texture of vadas, making it a treat for the taste buds. The blend of spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala adds depth and richness, while the roasted vada infuses a pleasant crunch.
Ingredients for Lauki Badi Ki Sabzi:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki) | 1/2, peeled and chopped |
| Vada | 1/2 cup |
| Oil | As needed |
| Curry leaves | 4 leaves |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Asafoetida (hing) | A pinch |
| Green chili | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger (grated) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (grated) | 3 cloves |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Milk | 1/4 cup (optional, for creaminess) |
| Fresh coriander leaves | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Fry the Vada:
Begin by frying the vada in a pan until it turns golden brown. Make sure to keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Once done, remove the vada from the pan and set it aside to cool. -
Sauté the Spices:
Heat oil in the same pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté them for about 20 seconds until they crackle and release their fragrance. -
Cook the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for another minute until the ginger and garlic soften and infuse their aroma into the oil. -
Add the Bottle Gourd:
Now, add the chopped bottle gourd (lauki) to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and becomes tender. -
Combine the Roasted Vada:
Once the bottle gourd has softened, add the roasted vada to the pan and mix everything together. Let the flavors combine for a few seconds. -
Season the Sabzi:
Sprinkle in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Stir well, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables evenly. -
Simmer and Add Milk:
Add a splash of milk to the pan (this step is optional but adds creaminess to the sabzi). Stir and let the sabzi cook on low flame for another 15-20 seconds to blend all the flavors. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish the Lauki Badi Ki Sabzi with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color. -
Serve:
Serve this aromatic sabzi hot with Panchmel Dal and Tawa Paratha for a complete Rajasthani meal. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Lauki Badi Ki Sabzi is a fantastic way to incorporate bottle gourd into your diet, with the added crunch and flavor of fried vada. It’s a comforting dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying, offering a great combination of health and taste. This recipe is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want a home-cooked Rajasthani treat that is both quick and flavorful.
