Sweet & Spicy Bottle Gourd Dal (Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal) Recipe

Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Bottle Gourd Dal

Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal, also known as Sweet and Spicy Bottle Gourd Dal, is a delectable North Indian dish that combines the subtle sweetness of bottle gourd (lauki) with the tangy zing of lemon and dry mango powder, along with the spicy kick of red chili and a touch of jaggery for sweetness. This dish is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with flatbreads like Methi Thepla or a refreshing side like Red Cabbage Poriyal.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings

• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: North Indian
• Course: Dinner
• Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Preparation: Start by prepping all the ingredients for the Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal. This includes washing and chopping the toor dal and bottle gourd, finely chopping the ginger, tomatoes, and coriander leaves, and preparing the jaggery (crushing or powdering as needed).

   Related Articles

   • 
     Goan Tendli Bhaji (Ivy Gourd Stir-Fry) with Coconut and Spices
   • 
     Jolada Ganji (Jowar Savory Porridge) – Authentic North Karnataka Recipe
   • 
     Saffron-Infused Surti Obbattu: Decadent Fruit & Nut Pooris Delight
   • 
     Fiery Goan Chicken Vindaloo: A Spicy Culinary Adventure

2. Tempering the Spices: In a pressure cooker, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. This infuses the oil with the earthy flavor of the cumin.

3. Adding Aromatics and Vegetables: Next, add the broken cinnamon stick, torn bay leaf, chopped ginger, tomatoes, and curry leaves. Sauté this mixture for about a minute until the tomatoes become slightly mushy, releasing their juices and blending with the other spices.

4. Spicing it Up: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the cooker. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.

5. Cooking the Dal: Now, add the washed toor dal and the chopped bottle gourd to the cooker. Stir everything together, ensuring the dal and vegetables are well-coated with the spices. Add about 2-1/2 cups of water to the cooker. Stir in the jaggery for a balanced sweetness.

6. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal for 3 whistles. After the third whistle, reduce the heat to low and let the dal simmer for another 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.

7. Adjusting the Flavor: Once the pressure has released, open the lid and check the taste of the dal. If necessary, add more salt, jaggery, or chili powder to adjust the flavor according to your taste.

8. Finishing Touches: Before serving, give the dal a brisk boil. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir in the finely chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.

9. Serving: Transfer the Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal to a serving bowl and serve hot. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of Red Cabbage Poriyal and Methi Thepla for a wholesome and nutritious meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• Accompaniments: Pair the Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal with Methi Thepla, Chapati, or Jeera Rice for a well-rounded meal.
• Side Dishes: You can serve this dal with a variety of vegetable dishes like Red Cabbage Poriyal, Aloo Gobi, or even a simple Cucumber Raita to balance out the spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal combines a balance of tanginess, sweetness, and spice, making it an exciting dish for the taste buds. Bottle gourd, known for its mild and hydrating properties, is the perfect vegetable to balance out the strong flavors of jaggery and dry mango powder. The pressure cooking method locks in all the flavors while keeping the dish simple and quick to prepare. Whether you’re looking to add variety to your regular dal rotation or want a flavorful dish that pairs well with any Indian flatbread, this Sweet & Spicy Bottle Gourd Dal is sure to delight!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal that incorporates both sweet and savory elements. It’s the perfect dish to serve on a busy weekday night when you need something nutritious yet full of flavor. Enjoy the goodness of lauki and the warmth of the spices in every spoonful!