Shahi Bharwa Lauki (Stuffed Bottle Gourd) for Summer

India is a country that’s open to diverse cultures and flavors. With diverse cultures emerging across the country, the need for different cooking styles automatically stem up. Witnessing the growing demand for unique cooking styles, most vegetarian dishes have experienced a fusion that is unknown to many. Most vegetarian lovers prefer bottle gourd as an ingredient in most of their dishes. And, with different fusions cropping up, Shahi Bharwa Lauki is one that has caught the attention of many. 

Being the perfect example of a weekend delicacy that’s savored with loved ones, this recipe has another ingredient that showcases a constantly growing fan base. Bharwa Lauki- commonly defined as a stuffed gravy dish showcases a mix of gravy and paneer. Not to forget the delicious lauki that’s more than just a regular addition in this case.

Looking forward to experiencing these flavors at home? It’s actually not too difficult. Here’s all you need. 

Ingredients

• 1 lauki (bottle gourd)
• 2 chopped onions
• 2 finely chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 tbsp Doctors Choice Soybean Oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi
• Salt to taste
• 3 sprig finely chopped Dhania 

For the Paneer 

• 1 cup paneer
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 finely chopped onion
• ½ finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 finely chopped green chili
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp fresh cream

Procedure

• Before preparing the lauki, we look at preparing the paneer stuffing at first
• Take a deep pan and heat a tablespoon of Doctors’ Choice Refined Soybean Oil. Add the cumin seeds and chopped onions. Sauce the mixture until they become soft and transparent
• Add the capsicum, paneer, salt, coriander powder, and red chili flakes. Mix it all well and cook it for roughly 1-2 mins. Set it aside to cool once done
• Peel the gourd and boil it with 1 tbsp salt. Let it cool for a while. Once done remove the pith inside it with a spoon
• Heat 2 tbsp of Refined Soybean Oil in a pan and place the gourd on it. Cook it until it turns brown and crisp on all sides
• Fill the paneer into the gourd and cut it into thick slices. Place them into the pan and let them cook till brown
• To make the gravy heat 1 tbsp of oil and add the cumin seeds. Once they crackle add the onions and cook till they are transparent
• Add the chopped tomatoes. Further add turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, leftover paneer and the gourd. Cook all well
• Once they begin to separate, use a hand blender to make a thin paste of the mixture in a pan. Add 1 cup of water and let it cook for a few minutes
• Add sugar, kasoori methi, and the slices of gourd and boil it till the gravy thickens. Garnish the dish with coriander leaves and thick cream
• Enjoy delicious Shahi Bharwa Lauki with palak raita and phulka