Lauki Ke Gatte Recipe – Whole Wheat Bottle Gourd Dumplings
Description:
Lauki Ke Gatte, a traditional Rajasthani snack, brings together the healthful benefits of bottle gourd (lauki) and whole wheat flour, creating a delectable dish that is both nutritious and flavorful. The soft, steamed dumplings are perfectly complemented by a zesty tempering of spices, making it a savory treat for any time of the day. Enjoy this easy-to-make dish as a snack, or pack it for a wholesome lunchbox meal.
Cuisine: Rajasthani
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For Dumpling Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki) | 1/2 (grated) |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 4 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | As required |
| Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | A few sprigs |
For Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions (chopped) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | A few sprigs |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 3 |
| Oil | As required |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
Begin by preparing the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd, whole wheat flour, finely chopped green chillies, garlic, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt, coriander powder, coriander seeds, baking soda, and finely chopped coriander leaves. -
Form the Dough:
Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until everything binds together into a dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Be careful not to over-knead the dough; a gentle mixing is all it needs. -
Shape the Dumplings:
Pinch medium-sized portions of the dough and roll them into elongated dumplings using the palms of your hands. If the dumplings are large, you can cut them in half to create smaller pieces, ensuring they cook evenly. -
Steam the Dumplings:
Steam the dumplings for about 12 to 15 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of a dumpling—if it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready. Remove them from the steamer and set them aside. -
Prepare the Tempering:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, mustard seeds, asafoetida, and dry red chillies. Sauté them until the mustard seeds begin to crackle, releasing their fragrance. -
Cook the Onions:
Once the spices have cracked, add the chopped onions to the pan. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, ensuring they don’t brown. -
Combine the Dumplings:
Add the steamed dumplings to the pan and toss them gently, ensuring they are coated with the tempering. Let them cook together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the dumplings to absorb the flavors from the spices. -
Serve:
Once the tempering is done, turn off the heat and serve your Lauki Ke Gatte hot. These dumplings are delicious on their own or served with a side of Gujarati Kadhi for a light dinner. For a snack, pair them with Green Chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Lauki Ke Gatte:
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated bottle gourd to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder according to your preference.
- You can experiment with adding other spices like garam masala or fennel seeds to enhance the flavor profile.
Lauki Ke Gatte is a hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish, packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a great way to enjoy the goodness of bottle gourd in a unique and exciting form. Try it out for your next snack or as part of a balanced meal!
