Bharwa Lauki Recipe: Stuffed Bottle Gourd (Indian Recipe)
Introduction:
Bharwa Lauki, or Stuffed Bottle Gourd, is a savory dish from North India that beautifully combines soft, tender gourd with a flavorful filling of paneer and spices. This comforting dish is perfect for a wholesome lunch and pairs beautifully with Tawa Paratha or Tomato Cucumber Raita. Its delicate yet rich flavors make it a delightful vegetarian choice for any meal. Let’s walk through how to make this traditional recipe that’s packed with flavor and goodness.
Ingredients
For the Paneer Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cottage cheese) | 1 cup (crumbled) |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Green bell pepper (chopped) | ½ (finely chopped) |
| Green chili (chopped) | 1 |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Red chili flakes | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tbsp |
For the Bottle Gourd and Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki) | 1 medium-sized |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Green coriander (chopped) | 3 tbsp |
| Cream | 1 tsp |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Oil | 4 tbsp |
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 50 Minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Paneer Filling
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 10 seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden brown.
- Add the crumbled paneer, followed by salt, coriander powder, and red chili flakes. Mix everything together and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set the paneer mixture aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Bottle Gourd
- Peel the bottle gourd (lauki) and slice off the ends. Using a spoon, hollow out the gourd carefully, removing the seeds and soft inner flesh. Ensure you leave enough space inside for the filling.
- In a large pot of salted water, boil the bottle gourd until it becomes tender but firm enough to hold the filling (about 10-15 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain and let the gourd cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Stuff the Gourd
- Once the bottle gourd is cool, carefully stuff it with the prepared paneer mixture, ensuring the filling is packed tightly inside.
- Cut the stuffed gourd into 1-inch thick slices, making sure each piece holds its shape.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
- In a separate pan, heat the oil and add cumin seeds. Let them cook for 10 seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down and become soft.
- Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the remaining paneer mixture (if any) and seeds from the bottle gourd. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend together.
- Blend the mixture using a hand blender or regular blender until smooth, adding 1 cup of water to achieve a gravy-like consistency.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding sugar, kasuri methi, and the stuffed gourd slices.
- Simmer for another 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the Bharwa Lauki with chopped green coriander and a drizzle of cream for a rich finishing touch.
- Serve the Bharwa Lauki with Tawa Paratha or Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, add an extra green chili or increase the amount of red chili flakes in the filling.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version of this dish, substitute paneer with tofu and ensure the cream is replaced with coconut cream.
- Stuffing Variations: You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes to the paneer stuffing for extra texture and flavor.
- Sour Touch: A squeeze of lemon juice or a small amount of amchur (dry mango powder) can be added to the gravy for a tangy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Bharwa Lauki is best served with Tawa Paratha, Plain Rice, or Chapati. Pair it with a side of Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. This comforting recipe is not only perfect for lunch but also makes an elegant dinner option when entertaining guests.
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful Bharwa Lauki as a perfect addition to your next Indian meal!
