Lauki raita, also known as bottle gourd raita, is a refreshing yogurt-based side dish that is commonly served in Indian cuisine. It’s made with grated bottle gourd (lauki), yogurt, and seasoned with spices. Here’s a simple recipe for making lauki raita:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (curd), whisked until smooth
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (optional, for garnish)
For Tempering (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bottle Gourd:
- Peel the bottle gourd and grate it using a grater and put it in a pressure cooker. Cook for 5 minutes or one whistle ay low medium heat. Turn off the heat after 5 minutes and wait for cooker to release the pressure. Once the Bottle gourd is cooled down squeeze out excess water from the cooked bottle gourd and keep aside.
- Prepare the Raita Base:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Add the cooked bottle gourd, chopped coriander leaves, roasted cumin powder, black salt (if using), red chili powder, and salt to the yogurt. Mix everything well.
- Prepare the Tempering (Optional):
- Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Pour the tempering over the raita and mix well.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the raita with chopped mint leaves and finely chopped onion (if using).
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the raita for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a side dish with rice, pulao, biryani, or any Indian meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Lauki raita complements spicy dishes well and is a cooling accompaniment to rich curries.
- It can also be enjoyed as a dip with crispy papad or as a refreshing side dish with stuffed parathas.
Enjoy the cool and refreshing taste of this nutritious lauki raita!
