If you’re feeling hungry even after lunch and looking for a quick, healthy, and tasty snack to satisfy your cravings, then the Lauki Cutlet is the perfect choice for you! Also known as bottle gourd cutlet, this recipe is made with the goodness of lauki (bottle gourd) and simple ingredients available in your kitchen. It’s light, flavorful, and can be prepared in a matter of minutes.
Why Lauki Cutlets?
Lauki (or bottle gourd) is a nutritious vegetable, rich in water content, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great addition to your diet as it helps with digestion, hydration, and overall well-being. The cutlet recipe gives you a delightful way to enjoy lauki in a crispy and savory form. It’s ideal for those moments when you’re feeling peckish but want to avoid heavy snacks.
Ingredients for Lauki Cutlet:
- 1 medium-sized lauki (bottle gourd)
- 1 large potato (boiled)
- 2 tablespoons cornflour or besan (gram flour) for binding
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for shallow frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lauki:
- Peel the lauki and grate it finely. Squeeze out the excess water from the grated lauki using a clean kitchen towel or muslin cloth. This will prevent the cutlet mixture from becoming too runny.
- Mash the Potato:
- Boil the potato until soft, peel the skin, and mash it thoroughly.
- Make the Cutlet Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated lauki and mashed potato. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt to taste.
- Now, add cornflour or besan to help bind the mixture and give it a firm texture. Mix everything well.
- Shape the Cutlets:
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval patties, depending on your preference.
- Fry the Cutlets:
- Heat a little oil in a pan or tawa over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the cutlets in the pan.
- Fry them on both sides until they turn golden brown and crisp. Be careful not to burn them; cook on medium flame for an even crisp texture.
- Serve:
- Once fried, place the cutlets on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.
Tips for Perfect Lauki Cutlets:
- Grating lauki finely helps in binding the cutlets better, so make sure to grate it finely.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more besan or cornflour until it holds together.
- You can also add some grated cheese or paneer to make the cutlets even more flavorful and cheesy.
- If you want a healthier version, you can also bake the cutlets instead of frying them.
Health Benefits of Lauki Cutlets:
Lauki is not only light and hydrating but also packed with fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. When combined with potatoes, it provides a good source of energy without being too heavy. The addition of spices and herbs in the cutlets enhances their flavor, while the shallowing frying method ensures they’re not too oily.
Whether you’re having it as an afternoon snack or an evening tea-time treat, Lauki Cutlets are a delicious, nutritious option that you can enjoy guilt-free. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they are an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Enjoy these crispy, golden cutlets and satisfy your hunger after a hearty lunch!
