🇮🇳 Indian Vegetarian

Punjabi Kali Mirch Lauki

Name: Punjabi Kali Mirch Lauki
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste; 1/2 tsp Garam Masala; 2 tbsp Heavy Cream; to taste Salt; 1 large, finely chopped Onion; 2, finely chopped Tomato; 1 tsp Cumin Seeds; 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder; 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 1 tsp Ground Coriander; 1 tsp Red Chili Powder; 2 tsp, coarsely crushed Black Pepper; 250 g, chopped Bottle Gourd

🇮🇳 Indian

Punjabi kitchens make their lauki kali mirch with a lighter hand on oil and a longer, slower masala — this version follows that house style. 40 minutes of mostly hands-off cooking.

Prep 15 min Cook 25 min Serves 4 Medium

Ingredients

Ginger Garlic Paste1 tbsp
Garam Masala1/2 tsp
Heavy Cream2 tbsp
Saltto taste
Onion1 large, finely chopped
Tomato2, finely chopped
Cumin Seeds1 tsp
Turmeric Powder1/2 tsp
Vegetable Oil2 tbsp
Ground Coriander1 tsp
Red Chili Powder1 tsp
Black Pepper2 tsp, coarsely crushed
Bottle Gourd250 g, chopped

Optional extras

Fresh Cilantrohandful, to finish

Instructions

1
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy kadhai over medium heat until it shimmers.
2
Crackle the cumin seeds for a few seconds until they turn a shade darker and smell nutty.
3
Add the chopped onion and fry until deep golden, 6-8 minutes — this colour is the backbone of the gravy.
4
Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears, about a minute.
5
Tip in the turmeric, red chili powder, ground coriander and tomatoes; bhunao the masala, stirring often, until the oil separates at the edges.
6
Add the bottle gourd and turn every piece through the masala, then pour in a cup of hot water; cover and simmer until perfectly tender, 20-25 minutes.
7
Season with salt, garam masala and reduce to the consistency you like.
8
Finish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with roti, paratha or steamed rice.

Chef's tip

Hot water, never cold, keeps the gravy from turning dull.

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Watch how it's made

Video: Kali Mirch Kadu / Lauki in Desi Ghee | Gheya Ki Sabji Recipe · on YouTube