Bottle Gourd Soup (No Onion-Garlic)

Ingredients

• 400 g bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and chopped
• 1 medium tomato (100 g), chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 green chilli, slit (optional)
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• 600 ml water
• 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Preparation

1. Heat ghee; crackle cumin seeds and optional green chilli.
2. Add tomato, turmeric, and coriander powder; cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
3. Add bottle gourd, salt, and water; bring to a boil.
4. Simmer covered 12–15 minutes until gourd is very tender.
5. Blend partly or fully for a smooth soup; adjust consistency with hot water.
6. Reheat briefly, finish with coriander, and serve warm.