📝 Description

What is this product?

Bottle Gourd (Round-Small), also known as “Lauki”, “Doodhi”, or “Sorakaya”, is a tender, light-green vegetable shaped like a small round gourd. It is a popular vegetable in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines due to its mild flavor, soft texture, and excellent health benefits. Bottle gourd is low in calories and high in water content, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making it ideal for hydration, digestion, and weight management. The round-small variety is perfect for curries, stuffed preparations, and soups — offering a delicate flavor and smooth texture.

🌍 Origin

Bottle gourd originated in Africa and later spread to Asia, where it became a dietary staple. It is now cultivated extensively in India, Saudi Arabia, and tropical regions where warm climates favor its growth. Locally grown bottle gourds are harvested young to ensure tender flesh, minimal seeds, and a naturally mild sweetness — perfect for healthy and traditional dishes.

🍽️ Nutrition Table (Per 100g)

Note: Bottle gourd is an excellent vegetable for hydration, detoxification, and maintaining a healthy digestive system.

👩‍🍳 Cooking Method/Recipes

🍛 Recipe 1: Stuffed Round Bottle Gourd Curry

Ingredients: 4 small round bottle gourds (hollowed), 1 onion (chopped), 1 tomato (chopped), 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.

Method:

1. Cut the top of each gourd and scoop out the soft center.
2. Prepare a stuffing with sautéed onion, tomato, and spices.
3. Fill each gourd with the mixture, replace the top, and cook in a curry sauce for 20–25 minutes.
4. Serve warm with roti or steamed rice.

Why it’s healthy: Rich in water and fiber, low in calories, and perfectly balanced with protein and antioxidants.

🥣 Recipe 2: Bottle Gourd Soup

Ingredients: 1 small bottle gourd (peeled and cubed), 1 small onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and coriander.

Method:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
2. Add cubed bottle gourd and cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Pour in water or vegetable broth and simmer until tender.
4. Blend until smooth and season with salt, pepper, and coriander.

Why it’s healthy: A light, hydrating, and nutrient-rich soup that supports digestion and hydration.

🧊 Storage Instructions

🏠 Room Temperature

• Keep unwashed bottle gourds in a cool, shaded place for up to 1 day.

❄️ Refrigeration

• Store in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable crisper section.
• Remains fresh for 4–5 days.

🥶 Freezing

• Peel, chop, blanch for 2 minutes, and freeze in airtight containers.
• Best used within 2 months for soups or curries.

🧺 Handling Tips

• Choose firm, light-green gourds with smooth skin and no blemishes.
• Use immediately after cutting — the flesh oxidizes quickly.
• Always taste a small raw piece before cooking; discard if bitter.