Lauki Ka Salan Recipe – Bottle Gourd Salan Recipe
This delightful Lauki Ka Salan, also known as Bottle Gourd Salan, hails from the rich culinary heritage of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a unique vegetarian dish that features bottle gourd simmered in a luscious, spiced gravy made with peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh coconut. The balance of flavors makes this dish a perfect accompaniment to rice or flatbreads, making it a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner. Let’s explore how to prepare this flavorful dish step by step.
Ingredients
Here’s a detailed table of ingredients required for the Lauki Ka Salan:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki) | 500 grams (Cut into 1/2 inch discs) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 6 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece (finely chopped) |
| Green chillies | 4 (slit) |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Tamarind water | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes | 2 (made into a puree) |
| Sunflower oil | As needed for cooking |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 3 sprigs (chopped) |
| Roasted peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coconut | 3 tablespoons (grated) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients:
To begin making Lauki Ka Salan, gather and prep all your ingredients. This will streamline your cooking process and ensure that everything is ready when you need it.
2. Create the Paste:
Using a mixer grinder, combine the roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and grated coconut with a splash of water to create a smooth paste. Once blended, set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Make Tomato Puree:
Blend the tomatoes until you achieve a smooth puree. Set it aside as well.
4. Sauté the Base:
In a kadai or deep pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and methi seeds. Allow them to crackle and release their aroma.
5. Add Aromatics:
After the seeds crackle, incorporate the slit green chillies, chopped onions, ginger, and garlic into the pan. Sauté these ingredients until the onions turn translucent and soft, releasing their sweet flavor.
6. Cook the Spices:
Next, stir in the prepared tomato puree along with the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Allow this mixture to boil briskly, ensuring the spices meld together beautifully.
7. Add Bottle Gourd:
Introduce the sliced bottle gourd to the pan, followed by the tamarind water and 1/4 cup of additional water. Mix everything well, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat until the bottle gourd is fully cooked, becoming tender and absorbing the flavors.
8. Incorporate the Paste:
Once the bottle gourd is tender, add the peanut-sesame-coconut paste into the pan. Stir the mixture gently and simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the salan to achieve a thick, gravy-like consistency.
9. Final Adjustments:
Taste the salan and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
10. Serve:
Turn off the heat and transfer the Lauki Ka Salan into a serving bowl. Serve it hot, accompanied by Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani and Dangar Pachadi with Grated Carrots for a delightful weekend lunch. Alternatively, it pairs wonderfully with Tawa Paratha or Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Lauki Ka Salan is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings together diverse flavors and textures, making it a beloved choice in many homes. The next time you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious meal, consider this recipe for a satisfying and flavorful journey through the tastes of Andhra cuisine. Happy cooking!
