Lauki Sabzi with Roti
This is another one from my childhood. My parents love Opo Squash aka Lauki aka Doodhi. Couple that with the fact it is pretty easy to make, North Indian style Lauki with a Tomato gravy was often on the dinner menu. I hated it. Now, that I am older, and don’t get to eat it as often, I actually quite enjoy it. Funny how time changes things.
Anyway, with half an Opo Squash left in the fridge (after the other half was used to make Sambar), I decided to make Lauki Sabzi with Grilled Tandoori Roti for dinner. Given the fact, this is your standard issue dish from North Eastern India, I was pretty confident it would be laughed at by my wife who thinks that the UP(Uttar Pradesh – a state in Northern India) cuisine is completely bland (she is from Gujarat and even I have to admit, there is some truth in what she says). Anyway, 20 minutes and one whistle of the pressure cooker later, I was pleasantly surprised to see what came out, and even more surprised to learn that my wife and my picky kid both enjoyed it. So here goes, this is one easy dish to make.
INGREDIENTS (for 4)
1-2 Tbsp Cooking Oil (I use EVOO)
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1/2 White Onion – diced
1 cup Chopped Tomato
1 Tbsp Ground Coriander
1/2 a medium sized Opo Squash or Lauki (about 6-8 in length) – peeled and cubed
1/4 tsp Red Chili Powder
Salt to taste
STEPS
1. Heat the oil in a pressure cooker. If you don’t have one, not to worry, just use a standard heavy bottle saucepan.
2. Add the cumin seeds and wait for them to sputter.
3. Add the onion and fry till they start to brown.
4. Add the tomato and fry for 5-6 minutes.
5. Add the spices and the squash and 1/2 cup of water.
6. If you are using a pressure cooker, cook for one whistle. You are done. If you are not, cover the saucepan and cook till the squash is soft. You may want to add a little water (about 1/2 cup) in case it starts drying up.
7. Serve hot with an Indian bread of choice.
foodydoody 