Surakkai/Lauki/Bottle Gourd Soup

Surakkai/Lauki/Bottle Gourd Soup

The much-awaited monsoon months are finally here and no one will refuse a hot, steaming bowl of soup. If this comforting bowl of soup nourishes and satiates as well, it is indeed a win-win situation. This recipe for a bottle gourd soup does just that so go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to it!

Ingredients:

• Chopped onion: 1 cup
• Garlic cloves: 5-6
• Bottle gourd: 1(skin peeled and chopped into cubes)
• Ghee: 2 tbs
• Coriander leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker.

Add onions and garlic.

Cook till the onions are translucent.

Now add the chopped bottle gourd.

Add water and coriander sprigs.

Cover the pressure cooker with the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles.

Once all the pressure has been released, open the lid.

Cool the contents and grind into a fine puree.

Now pour this puree back into the cooker and add salt to taste.

Check the soup consistency. If needed, add more water.

Add freshly crushed black pepper.

Stir well and serve.

Regarded as one of the healthiest vegetables, bottle gourd is a powerhouse of nutrients with immense health benefits. High in water content and rich in vitamins and minerals, bottle gourd is also an effective home remedy for many health issues. Considered as a wonder food for diabetic people, it has a negligible amount of glucose and sugar-related compounds. It is also very satiating.

Note: Before cooking, always slice a piece of bottle gourd and taste it to check if it is bitter. If yes, discard it immediately as it is believed that harmful toxins are what gives it a bitter taste. The same precaution can be applied to other fruits and vegetables belonging to the cucumber family as well.