Masaledar Nariyal Lauki

Masaledar Nariyal Lauki is a rich, coconut-based bottle gourd curry bursting with roasted spices and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

1. Ginger 1"
2. Onions chopped 3 tbsp
3. Coconut scraped 1 cup
4. Cinnamon 1"
5. Peppercorns 8–10
6. Oil 2 tbsp
7. Tamarind pulp 1½ tbsp
8. Cloves 4–6
9. Red chillies whole 3
10. Turmeric powder 1 tsp
11. Mustard seeds 1 tsp
12. Curry leaves 8–10
13. Coriander seeds 2 tbsp
14. Cumin seeds 1 tbsp
15. Bottle gourd (lauki) 1 medium
16. Asafetida a pinch
17. Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the Lauki

   • Peel and wash the lauki.
   • Cut it into ¾-inch cubes.

2. Preparing the Masala Paste

   • Dry roast coriander seeds and cumin seeds.
   • Grind roasted seeds with ginger, garlic, whole red chillies, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and scraped coconut (reserve 1 tbsp for garnish).
   • Make a smooth paste and keep aside.

3. Tempering

   • Heat oil in a pan.
   • Add asafetida and mustard seeds.
   • When they crackle, add curry leaves and chopped onions.
   • Sauté for 2 minutes.

4. Cooking the Lauki

   • Add the lauki cubes to the pan.
   • Stir-fry for 5 minutes.

5. Adding the Masala

   • Add the prepared masala paste dissolved in 1½ cups of water.
   • Stir well and bring to a boil.

6. Adding Tamarind and Seasoning

   • If tamarind pulp is thick, dissolve it in little water.
   • Add tamarind to the gravy.
   • Add salt and mix well.

7. Final Touch

   • Serve hot garnished with the reserved grated coconut.