8 Creative Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Recipes for Kids' School Tiffin
Bottle gourd, commonly known as lauki, often faces a love-hate relationship with children, primarily due to its bland appearance and mild taste. However, this low-calorie vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin K, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Transforming it into flavorful treats for school tiffin can make it a hit with kids. Here are eight innovative dishes that turn lauki into delicious and healthy lunchbox options.
1. Lauki ke Appe
Combine sooji, curd, and grated lauki to create a batter. Season it with a tempering of oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Add baking soda and salt for flavor and texture. Pour the mixture into an appe mould and cook using peanut oil until golden brown. Pack these savory bites with coconut chutney for a tasty and wholesome snack.
2. Lauki Kofta
This curry dish pairs excellently with paratha or rice. Grate lauki and mix it with besan and spices to form kofta balls. Deep-fry the koftas until crispy, then immerse them in a rich tomato-onion gravy. It's a hearty meal that adds variety to the tiffin.
3. Lauki Raita
A refreshing condiment, lauki raita is made by sautéing grated lauki in ghee with cumin seeds and green chilli. Mix this into curd and season with roasted cumin powder, salt, sugar, and pepper. It's a cooling side dish that complements any main course.
4. Lauki Halwa
For a sweet treat, try lauki halwa. Grate lauki and cook it in ghee along with mawa, sugar, and milk. Garnish with roasted nuts for added crunch. This dessert is a nutritious way to satisfy sweet cravings.
5. Lauki Paratha
A healthy breakfast or tiffin option, lauki paratha involves grating lauki and seasoning it with salt, pepper, chilli, and lemon juice. This mixture can be stuffed into dough or mixed directly with it before cooking. Serve hot for a filling meal.
6. Lauki Pakoda
Perfect as an evening snack or tiffin item, lauki pakoda is made by mixing grated lauki with besan, salt, pepper, green chilli, turmeric powder, and coriander leaves. Deep-fry until crispy for a crunchy delight.
7. Lauki Soup
A healthy and comforting option, lauki soup is prepared by pureeing lauki and cooking it in ghee or oil with salt, pepper, and paprika powder. Pack it in a flask to keep it warm, making it a satiating meal for kids.
8. Lauki ke Kebab
Grate lauki and squeeze out excess water. Season with rice flour, chilli, pepper, salt, and raw mango powder. Shape into kebabs, coat with breadcrumbs, and cook on a greased tawa using oil or ghee. Serve hot with chutney for a flavorful snack.
These recipes not only enhance the appeal of bottle gourd but also ensure kids receive essential nutrients in a tasty form. Experiment with these ideas to make tiffin time exciting and healthy.
