Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal – Sweet & Spicy Bottle Gourd Dal
Overview
Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal is a delightful North Indian dish, renowned for its tangy and sweet flavor profile. This Bottle Gourd (lauki) curry combines the richness of yellow moong dal with the boldness of ginger, cinnamon, and green chillies. The addition of jaggery lends a subtle sweetness, while freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the perfect zesty kick, rounded off by the freshness of coriander leaves. This one-pot dish is simple to prepare and is made effortlessly in a pressure cooker, making it a go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a flavorful and comforting meal.
This recipe is the ideal balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, bringing an amazing depth of taste to your dinner table.
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and chopped | 1/2 medium-sized bottle gourd |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 3/4 cup, washed well |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1, torn into half |
| Green chillies, finely chopped | 3 |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1 inch piece |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Jaggery, crushed | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon, juice extracted | 1 fresh lemon |
| Coriander (dhania) leaves, finely chopped | A small bunch |
| For Tadka (Tempering) | |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves, roughly chopped | 1 sprig |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150-200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | ~250 mg |
| Sugars | 8g |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredient variations.)
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Peel and chop the bottle gourd (lauki), chop the ginger, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Crush the jaggery and extract the juice from the lemon. Keep all the ingredients within reach. -
Cook the Dal:
In a pressure cooker, add the following ingredients:- 1/2 chopped bottle gourd
- 3/4 cup yellow moong dal (or toor dal if preferred)
- 1 torn bay leaf
- 3 finely chopped green chillies
- 1-inch piece of finely chopped ginger
- 1 finely chopped tomato
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed jaggery
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups of water
Close the lid of the pressure cooker, and cook on high flame for 3 whistles. After 3 whistles, reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Check and Adjust:
Once the pressure has released, open the cooker. Taste the dal and adjust the seasoning. If needed, add more salt or jaggery to balance the sweetness and saltiness, and adjust the level of spice with extra green chillies if preferred. -
Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):
In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing), and a sprig of roughly chopped curry leaves. Let them crackle for a few seconds to release the aromas. -
Combine Tadka with Dal:
Pour the hot tempering over the cooked Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal and stir well to combine. Allow the flavors to infuse for a minute or two. -
Final Touches:
Just before serving, give the dal a brisk boil. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and stir in the freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. -
Serve:
Transfer the Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal to a serving bowl and serve hot. This dal pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, chapatis, or parathas.
For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a side of Red Cabbage Poriyal and Methi Thepla, or any other of your favorite dishes, to create a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
Tips:
- Bottle Gourd Variations: If you prefer a smoother dal, you can blend it after cooking to create a creamier texture.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Jaggery can be adjusted to your sweetness preference. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
- Vegan Option: To make the dish completely vegan, simply use vegetable oil instead of ghee for tempering.
- Extra Spice: If you love spice, add a pinch of red chilli powder or dried red chillies to the tempering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Khatti Meethi Lauki Dal is a perfect example of how North Indian cuisine beautifully balances flavors. The slight bitterness of bottle gourd is mellowed out with the sweetness of jaggery, while the spices give it a warming kick. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pot recipe that’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough to impress your guests. This recipe provides a burst of comfort in every bite, making it a must-try for dal lovers and anyone seeking a quick, wholesome meal!
