Here are the step by step written instructions and a video - how to make Doodhi lauki bharta bottlegourd raita with yogurt recipe.
This bharta is very easy to make. This is the way my mother makes it and I love it.
Doodhi - bottle gourd bharta is served as a side dish with chapati, rice, roti, paratha etc.
Bottle gourd is known as doodhi(Marathi), Dudhi, lauki / ghiya(Hindi), sorekai (Kannada). Doodhi/bottlegourd is easily available in India at all times in the year.
How to make lauki raita - bottle gourd / doodhi bharta
Ingredients for lauki ka raita - doodhi bharta for 2-3 servings
Step by step instructions for makinglauki ka bharta
Preparation for making bharta –
Wash bottle gourd under running water.
Remove skin with a peeler or a sharp knife.
Cut bottle gourd in about one inch pieces. Or grate it with a grater or in food processor. Today, I made pieces and the instructions are according to that.
We have to first cook lauki / bottle gourdpieces. Steam / cook lauki / bottle gourd pieces or gratings by any of the following methods, which ever you find convenient. Grated bottle gourd will cook faster.
Add lauki / bottle gourd pieces and 2-3 tbsp water in a pan. Cover and cook
on low flame till pieces are just done. Check in between and add a little water
if necessary.
You may steam these pieces in a steamer. Pour some water in the steamer. Place the pieces on the perforated plate. Steam on medium low heat till the pieces are cooked to your liking. Check softness in between by inserting the knife in the pieces.
Keep in a separator / closed container
while cooking rice in a pressure cooker. There is no need to add any water in the container holding bootle gourd. Today I used this method.
You may also steam cook lauki / bottle gourd in microwave mode. It may
take about 2-3 minutes in microwave. You may add 1 tbsp water along with the vegetable.
After steam cooking bottle gourd with one of the methods given above, let the lauki pieces cool completely. The cooked bottle gourd will look as in the image given below.
cooked bottle gourd - doodhi - lauki
Making tempering - tadka for lauki raita
Heat oil in a small tadka pan
Add mustard seeds and when they start splattering, add cumin
seeds, hing, chili pieces(if adding) and curry leaves.
Stir a little and switch off the
flame.
Tempering is ready. Keep aside.
ready tempering for salad
Making doodhi raita - lauki bharta - bottle gourd bharit
Add the cooked bottle gourd
pieces in a bowl.
cooked bottle gourd - lauki
Mash lightly. I prefer it that way. If you wish, you may mash it fine. If you grated doodhi, no need to mash.
lightly mashed bottle gourd - doodhi - lauki
Now add all the ingredients such as salt, sugar, roasted peanut powder,
and
chopped coriander leaves.
Add salt and sugar according to taste. Add the prepared cooled tadka/tempering and fresh curd/dahi/plain yogurt to the steamed lauki.
You may increase the quantity of fresh yogurt as per your choice.
bottle gourd - doodhi - lauki
Mix well. Keep aside till serving time.
ready bottle gourd - doodhi - lauki bharta
Keep in the fridge if you like it cool or if you are going
to serve it after some time.
Leaving this lauki raita / bharta outside may make it sour if
you are living in a hot place.
Tips and variations
Use green or dry red chilies with the tempering.
You may use homemade yogurt or store bought yogurt. Use only plain yogurt.
Add more yogurt / dahi if you like.
You may use slightly sour yogurt/curd if you like, but it should not be too sour. I always prefer to use only fresh sweet curd.
You may use black pepper powder instead of or along with chili.
Dahi puri or dahi poori is a popular indian street food snack. Dahi poori is a cool snack recipe for hot summer days. It is one of the popular indian chaat recipe.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.