Bottle gourd is very beneficial for our health. It contains iron, and potassium and is also low in calories. So if we don’t eat bottle gourd despite so many qualities, then we are missing out on something. Today I have brought for you a recipe for bottled gourd breakfast which I make for myself and my family two to three times a week. It is very easy and you will all like its taste.
What is bottle gourd pancake
Lauki pancake is a delicious recipe made from grated bottle gourd (also called lauki dudhi or karoshi) mixed with a batter of flour, spices, and sometimes herbs. It is a unique variation of the regular pancake that combines the health benefits of the vegetable in an easy-to-make quick recipe.
1 Why it’s special: Unlike traditional sweet pancakes, bottle gourd pancakes are delicious and nutritious. They are loaded with the goodness of bottle gourd, which is low in calories and high in water content, making it a great option for healthy eating. The flavour is mild but satisfying, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
2 A dish for everyone: Love’s pancakes are very versatile. You can modify the recipe to suit your dietary needs–make them vegan by not using dairy, make them gluten-free by using scallion or rice flour, or add spices to your liking. Whether you like them rich, spicy or cheesy, the recipe can be adapted to suit your taste.
3 Culinary versatility: These pancakes can be used for almost every mealtime. They are light enough for breakfast, heavy enough for an afternoon snack, and go well with chutneys for breakfast or dinner. You can also add other grated vegetables like carrots or courgettes to the recipe, or add herbs like yogurt, coriander, or mint for extra flavor.
4 Lauki pancakes are like a blank canvas. Want a fusion dish? Add some grated cheese or Italian seasoning for a Western twist. Prefer something traditional? Add Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, and green chilis. You can even make it a plain pancake by skipping the spices and adding some sugar or jaggery.
5 Lauki pancakes are not only healthy and delicious, but also suitable for a variety of cuisines and occasions, making them a must-try for anyone who likes to have something spicy with their meals.
Why is it A Unique And Healthy Recipe
1 A unique twist on pancakes: Lauki pancakes are unique because they take a common vegetable, lauki, and turn it into something unexpected and delicious. Unlike traditional pancakes, which are often sweet, these are savory and packed with nutritious ingredients, offering a fresh take on comfort food.
2 Low calories, high nutrients: Lauki is naturally low in calories but high in water content, making it a hydrating and light ingredient. It also contains essential nutrients like vitamins C and B, potassium, and fiber, which are great for maintaining good health. It is a gluten-free food that nourishes your body.
3 Balanced meal option: This recipe combines vegetable flour (or healthier alternatives like chickpea or rice flour) and spices to make a balanced meal. The mix of carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients ensures that you stay full and energized without overdosing on unhealthy ingredients.
4 Perfect for weight management: Because lauki (bottle gourd) is low in fat and calories, it is a great option for those looking to lose weight. The fiber in lauki also aids digestion and keeps you satisfied for longer, reducing the urge to snack in between meals.
5 Easily adaptable to the R’s: Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to eat healthier, lauki pancakes can suit your needs. Choose gluten-free options instead of regular flour if you are vegan and don’t eat dairy or eggs, or add high protein ingredients for a more filling meal.
6 Light but filling: Unlike heavy or chicken meals, lauki pancakes are light on the stomach but still filling. They are a nutritious breakfast meal, a comforting meal for lunch, or a healthy snack that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
The ingredients required for bottle gourd pancake
Main Content
1 Bottle Gourd/Dudhi: 500 gm (field and grated)
2 Flou:1 cup (you can use with flour chickpeas flour rice flour or a mix of these as per your preference).
Binding or flavoring
1 curd: 2-3 tbsp (optional for extra softness and pungency).
2 green chilies: 2-3 finely chopped (adjust to taste)
3 coriander leaves (cilantro): 2 tbsp finely chopped.
4 cumin seeds: ½ tsp
5 turmeric powder: ¼ tsp (optional, for color and health benefits)
6 salt to taste
Optional ingredients
1 grated carrot aur zucchini: ½ cup (optional,to add extra nutrition and variety)
2 grated paneer: 2 tbsp (optional for paneer flavour)
For Cooking
1 oil or ghee : oiling the pan and cooking
Step by Step photo To Making Bottle Gourd Pancake
Step:1 Prepare the gourd
First of all wash and peel the bottle gourd. Grate it and grind it finely. Squeeze out the excess water from the grated bottle gourd by pressing it lightly. Keep this water aside – it can be used later to adjust the consistency of the batter.
Step:2 Make the batter:
1 Firstly take a mixing bowl and add the grated cloves to it.2 Add flour (wheat, gram or rice flour) to the bowl. Use about a cup or enough to incorporate into the mixture. 3 Now add the spices, some turmeric powder, chopped green chilies, coriander leaves and salt to taste. 4 Add curd to it for extra softness and flavour (optional).
2 Mix all the ingredients well. 2 If the batter is too thick, add some leftover bottle gourd water to it. The batter should be thick enough to add water to it but it should not be thin. 3 After this, cover the batter and leave it to rest for 10–15 minutes.
Step: 3 Heat the pan :
1 Place a non-stick or cast iron pan on medium flame. 2 Add a few drops of oil or ghee and spread it evenly on the surface.
Step:4 Cook the pancakes:
1 Scoop a spoonful of the mixture onto the pan and gently spread it into a circular shape, about 1/4 inch thick. 2 Cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. 3 Carefully flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side. If needed, add a few more drops of oil on the edges to make it crispy.
Step:5 Repeat the process:
1 Remove the cooked pancake from the pan. 2 Repeat the same process with the remaining mixture, greasing the pan as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lauki pancakes hot with your favorite side dishes like yogurt, mint chutney, or ketchup. Enjoy them with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a wholesome meal.
Pro-tip: Cook the pancakes on low flame for a longer time for a crispier texture.
Tips & tricks for the perfect Bottle Gourd Pancake
1 Squeeze out the excess water: After grating the bottle gourd, squeeze out the excess water. This will ensure that the batter doesn’t become too runny, making it easier to cook the pancakes. However, don’t throw away the water—you can use it later to adjust the consistency of the batter.
2 Use the right flour: Experiment with different flours to get the flavor and texture you prefer. Whole wheat flour gives a perfect texture, chickpea flour adds protein, and rice flour makes for a crispier pancake. You can also use mixed flour if you prefer.
3 Add binders: To ensure your pancakes hold together, use ingredients like yogurt, chickpea flour or a small amount of rice flour. This will make the pancakes easy to flip and will not cause any hassle.
4 Add your favorite veggies and spices: Lauki has a mild flavor, so it’s important to add spices and veggies generously to your batter. For tasty pancakes, use spices and vegetables like cumin, turmeric, carrots, onions, green chilies, and ginger. You can also add fresh herbs like coriander or mint for a fresh flavor.
5 Do not spread the batter too thin: When pouring the batter on the pan, do not spread it too thin. A slightly thicker pancake cooks better and remains soft on the inside while being crispy on the outside.
6 Cook on medium flame: Always cook pancakes on medium flame. High flame can burn the outside of the pancake while the inside can remain under cooked. Medium flame helps in getting a golden-brown and well-cooked pancake.
7 Lightly grease the pan: Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan to avoid sticking. Add a few drops of oil or ghee to each pancake before adding it to the pan to ensure even cooking.
8 Flip carefully: Allow the pancake to cook completely on one side before flipping it. This prevents it from breaking. Use a flat, wide spatula to gently flip the pan.
10 Serve hot: Lauki pancakes taste best when served hot. If you need to keep them warm, place them in the oven at a low temperature until they are ready to serve.
More Recipe:-Moon Dal Paratha Recipes Step By Step
Pro-tip If you are making pancakes for kids, add grated cheese or a pinch of sugar to the batter for a kid-friendly taste.
Frequently ask question
Q:1 What is Lauki Pancake?
Lauki Pancake is a delicious recipe made by mixing grated bottle gourd (also called lauki doodhi) with flour, spices and herbs. This mixture is then cooked on a pan like regular pancakes, making a healthy, light and tasty recipe.
Q:2 Are Lauki Pancakes healthy?
Yes, lauki pancakes are healthy as lauki is low in calories and high in water content, which makes it hydrating and nutritious. They are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals which are great for digestion, hydration, and overall health.
Q:3 Can I make lauki pancakes without flour?
Yes, you can make flourless lauki pancakes by using alternatives like chickpea flour or ground oats, these options also add more protein and fiber to the dish.
Q:4 Can I add other vegetables to lauki pancakes?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini or spinach to the lauki pancakes to enhance their nutritional value and taste. Just be careful not to add too much moisture from the extra veggies or the batter may become too thin.
Q:5 Are lauki pancakes vegan?
Yes lauki pancakes can easily be made vegan by simply skipping the yogurt or dairy products and using plant-based flours like chickpea or rice flour. You can also substitute water or non-dairy yogurt to get the desired texture.
Q:6 How do I store leftover lauki pancakes?
Store leftover lauki pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan or oven to maintain their texture.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a simple and fuss-free meal, bottle gourd pancakes are a great option! With just a few home-made ingredients like bottle gourd, flour and spices, you can whip up a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes. This is a perfect recipe for those who are short on time but still want to eat something healthy and satisfying.
Once you try these, you will see how delicious and easy this recipe can be.
Nutrition Information (per 100g bottle gourd pancake)
Calories: 120- 150kg, Protein:3-4 gm, Carbohydrate:20-25 gm Fibre:2-3 gm, Sugar 2-3 gm(mostly natural sugar from bottle Gourd ), Fat: 3-5 gm, Saturated fat: 0.5-1gm (if less oil or ghee is used), Sodium: 150-200 mg (depending on salt and spices added), Potassium: 150-200 mg.