Bottle Gourd Raita

A side dish for a simple lunch - Bottle Raita, lentils and paratha - loved by everyone in the family! Bottle gourd is rich source of vitamin C, K and calcium. It helps in maintaining a healthy heart and brings down bad cholesterol levels.

Ingredients:

1 bottle gourd

bunch cilantro leaves chopped

1 tbsp ghee

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

asafoetida

1 tsp turmerci powder

bunch curry leaves

1 thai chillies (change according to taste)

1/2 cup yogurt (optional)

2 tbsp peanut powder

salt to taste

Method:

1. Remove remove the skin of bottle gourd.

2. Make small pieces. In a pot, put the pieces with some water till just covers and let heat till water evaporates.

3. Heat ghee in pan and add cumin, mustard seeds. Let the seeds sputter. Add pinch asafoetida and turmeric powder.

4. Add curry leaves and green chilly

5. Add chopped cilantro.

6. Add the ridge gourd pieces and saute.

7. Let cool.

8. After it cools, add yogurt. (optional). I sometimes do especially in summers.

9. Add salt to taste and peanut powder. Mix

10. Garnish with cilantro.

Enjoy with hot parathas, lentils and veggie pickle!!