Step by step instructions for making lauki 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.
• Chop chili and coriander leaves.
• Crush roasted peanuts (if using) roughly.

Ways to cook lauki / bottle gourd – Steam cooking doodhi

• 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.

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.

Making doodhi raita – lauki bharta – bottle gourd bharit

• Add the cooked bottle gourd pieces in a bowl.
• Mash lightly. I prefer it that way. If you wish, you may mash it fine. If you grated doodhi, no need to mash.
• 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.
• Mix well. Keep aside till serving time.
• 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.