Lauki Raita | Bottle Gourd Thayir Pachadi | Navratra Special Recipes By Masterchefmom

Hi Supermoms,

Since there are so many other activities other than cooking that you need to participate during the Navratras, easy, fuss-free and healthy recipes that take less time to cook are most ideal. 

Today, I am sharing one such recipe that satisfies everyone. I have followed all the Navratra Fasting rules and created this dish. Bottle Gourd is one vegetable that is used commonly during this festival season. Dahi is also consumed in every meal. 

So, I have combined both these ingredients to make a Thayir Pachadi aka Raita . Again, this is a fusion of North Indian and South Indian cuisine. For those who are bored of making only Dal or Kootu with bottlegourd, this recipe is refreshing and simple to cook too.

The Lauki or Bottle Gourd Raita can be served as a side dish to any flat bread, upma or rice dish that you prepare for the fast or offering. 

Lauki Raita | Bottle Gourd Thayir Pachadi :

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time : 15 minutes

Serves : 4

1 cup = 250 ml cup 

Note : If you use green chillies during Vrat/Fasting, you can use it instead of black pepper . 

Ingredients :

1 cup bottle gourd ( peeled and grated)

1 cup thick curd ( whisked )

rock salt/senda namak to taste

To grind:

1/2 cup fresh coconut ( you can adjust according to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper corns 

1/4 cup water ( adjust)

To temper :

1-2 teaspoons oil ( ground nut or coconut oil)

1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds/jeera

3-4 curry leaves ( optional)

Method : 

1. Heat a pan and add the grated bottle gourd ( with the juice).

2. Add salt and allow it cook. 

Chef tip : Bottle gourd should be soft. The colour of the bottle gourd changes when cooked. This step will take around 10 minutes over low flame. 

3. While the bottle gourd is cooking you can grind coconut and pepper corns.

Chef tip : You can also use mortar and pestle to grind the black pepper. Also, adjust the water quantity according to the consistency of the raita that you prefer.

4. Once the bottle gourd is cooked, add the ground mixture and cook for a minute.

5. Add the whisked curd and cook for another minute, stirring continuously and switch off. 

6. Heat a small pan or tempering ladle with oil and temper with the ingredients given for the same.

7. Pour it over the lauki raita and mix.

Your delicious Lauki Raita is now ready to be served as a part of your Navratra meal.

I feel so happy to share such easy to cook, healthy recipes with all of you. Hope you enjoy cooking and serving .

If you are looking for more bottlegourd/lauki recipes, here are some of my interesting and super tasty fusion creations :

- Kofta Kuzhambu

- Masiyal Kofta Curry

- Peda Pies

You can also try the Assamese Boror Tenga or the Tamil Nadu Style Sorakkai Kootu.

Happy Cooking !

With love,

Masterchefmom