Lauki Tamater/ Bottle gourd with Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 500 gms lauki
• 2 medium size tomato , finely chopped
• 1 medium size Onion, finely chopped
• 2/3 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• ½   tsp red chili powder
• ½   tsp turmeric powder
• a Pinch of asafetida (Hing)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 2/3 tsp salt or/ salt to your taste

Method:

Step 1.

Wash and peel the lauki/ bottle gourd, slice off the top and bottom tip and cut it into small
cubes, soak in water till used later.
Step 2.

In a wok/ kdahi heat oil, add cumin seed, when it crackles , add asafetida and fry tll it turns pink. Add chopped onions,fry till onion turns golden brown.

Step 3.

Add the spices,coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder and mix with the oil and fry them for few seconds more.

Step 4.

Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook covered for eight to ten minutes on low flame or until they become soft and blend with spices.

Step 5.

Add cubed lauki/ bottle gourd pieces, salt and one cup of water and mix everything together, close the lid turn the heat to low flame.

Step 6.

Add more water if needed and cook till lauki is cooked well, once you have the desired consistency turn the stove off.

Step 7.

Serve hot, garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Note:
Bottle gourd/ lauki is a bland vegetable, try to cook with other ingredients and combination, to make this dish delicious. For variations cook lauki with onion masala or to cook lauki with channa Dals / Lentils.

 

Health benefits of lauki / Bottle gourd:

Bottle gourd, also known as lauki or doodhi in India is a popular vegetable used in dishes all across the country. One of the famous health benefits of the vegetable is that it is easy to digest and great for those suffering from digestive problems. However, lauki has more health benefits than one and here are some of them.

1. Aids digestion

People suffering from constipation should eat bottle gourd as it is high in fibre and helps clear the food stuck in your colon. Additionally, juice made out of bottle gourd also helps in the treatment of acidity as it is alkaline in nature. Read about more home remedies that can cure constipation. 

2. Great for weight loss

Bottle gourd is one of the best foods you can have if you want to lose weight as it is 96% water, and a 100g serving contains as little as 12 calories. The high fibre content will take care of your hunger, and keep you feeling full. Here is a sample weight loss diet for your reference.

3. Helps treat urinary disorders

Bottle gourd has a cooling effect on your body, and a glass of bottle gourd juice is a great diuretic that can be used to treat burning sensation while passing urine. This burning sensation is caused due to high levels of acid in the urine, which can be countered by the alkaline nature of bottle gourd juice.

4. Refreshes you during summers

Just like cucumber, bottle gourd too has a high amount of water which keeps you hydrated during summers. Drinking a glass of its juice will ensure that you do not face loss of sodium, fatigue or extreme thirst while you are out in the sun. This makes it great for people whose jobs require them to travel in daylight.

5. Prevents heart disease

Unhealthy lifestyles are leading to several cases of heart disease in urban India. So much so that, 70% of the urban population is at risk of heart disease due to wrong lifestyle choices like eating fried and processed foods, smoking, etc. Like a lot of fruits and vegetables, bottle gourd has zero cholesterol and is rich in Vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants making it good for your heart.

6. Reduces stress

It is quite easy to feel stressed in today’s times, and unhealthy eating can only worsen the situation. Bottle gourd has a high water content has a cooling effect on your body which makes you feel better the very moment you take it. It also has diuretic, sedative and antibilious properties which makes your body feel better internally, and keeps stress at bay. Read more about how you can combat stress.

Ref. http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/health-benefits-lauki-dudhi-bottle-gourds-sa114/