From Tikkis to Pancakes: Relish the Gourd of Goodness

Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)
Bottle gourd, botanically a part of Lagenaria siceraria, is a vine and hasmany different names throughout the world, such as calabash, opo, cucuzza, and long melon.Known as ghiya or lauki in Hindi, it often struggles to be a crowd pleaser because it is labeled bland. Worry not, dear mommies, because we have found the best ways of introducing them to your toddlers and young kids who are not so fond of this vegetable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 106.7 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bowl of bottle gourd, grated
  • 1 boiled sweet potato
  • 1/2 cup carrot and beetroot, grated
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp roasted sattu
  • 1/4 cup coriander and mint, chopped
  • Salt as required
  • 1/4 tsp chaat masala
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala
  • A few drops of cold-pressed coconut/groundnut oil, to bind and roast

Instructions
 

  • Peel the boiled sweet potato, and mash it with other ingredients.
  • Mix everything in a bowl and refrigerate it for 5 minutes.
  • Make tikki-sized balls.
  • Add a few drops of oil to a pan and roast them until golden brown.
  • Serve with green chutney.

Notes

  • The wonderful and versatile vegetable contains 94 percent water and is nature's best gift to keep you hydrated
  • It is low in saturated fat and high in dietary fiber, vitamins B and C, riboflavin, zinc, thiamine, iron, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
  • It is alkaline and is known to regenerate liver tissues and improve liver function.
Power tips:
  • Always peel the gourd and taste a bit of flesh to ensure it isn't bitter. If it is bitter, discard it immediately because consuming it may cause severe toxic reactions.

Nutrition

Calories: 106.7kcalCarbohydrates: 8.7gProtein: 2.45gFat: 1.45g
Keyword traditional
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Savoury Desi Lauki Pancakes

Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)
Check out these desi pancakes that can be relished for brunch, as evening snacks, and even be a good addition to the lunch box. One of the best ways to sneak bottle gourd into a recipe and make your munchkins ask for more, tell us how it worked for you.
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Prep Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 medium-sized pancakes
Calories 123.2 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup bottle gourd, grated
  • 3/4 cup moong sprouts, steamed and semi-crushed
  • 1/2 cup raw banana flour/ragi flour
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup beetroot, grated
  • 1/2 cup carrot, grated
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the grated bottle gourd, carrot, beetroot, semi-crushed moong sprouts, chopped onions, spinach, green chili, flour, and salt to a bowl. Mix well.
  • Heat the tawa over medium heat. Pour a ladle full of batter and spread it slightly.
  • Drizzle some oil and cook from both sides until golden brown.
  • Serve hot with chutney.

Notes

  • Rich in fiber and alkaline in nature, bottle gourd contains high choline compared to other vegetables.
  • Choline is crucial for retaining and enhancing memory.
  • It is a natural diuretic and beneficial for those who have water retention.
Power tips:
Disclaimer: Please keep your healthcare provider in the loop before introducing any new food item into your lifestyle, especially if you have a medical health condition or are on medications. In case you are allergic to certain foods, please avoid the same.

Nutrition

Calories: 123.2kcalCarbohydrates: 10.2gProtein: 4.34gFat: 5.2g
Keyword traditional
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!