This is an amazingly simple raita which was made by my helper R. This is an earthy Punjabi recipe, which is made at homes during the summer.  Bottle Gourd is a very cooling vegetable which is full of water (about 92%), keeps your body hydrated, and is also a rich source of vitamin C, A and K and essential minerals like sodium, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Bottle gourd also promotes a healthy heart by bringing down the bad cholesterol levels. It is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibers, does not only facilitate smoother digestion but also helps curing tummy problems like constipation, piles and flatulence. Bottle gourd is excellent in quenching thirst, and lending a cooling effect on the body, especially during summers.

Bottle Gourd aka Lauki Raita

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle gourd, peeled and grated
• 3 cups yogurt, beaten
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp pepper powder
• 1 tsp cumin seed POWDER

Method:

• Boil the grated bottle gourd in a pan with just enough water to cover it and some salt for five minutes till it is cooked.
• Remove and drain the grated bottle groud and when cool, squeeze well between your palms to remove all excess water
• In another pan, whisk the yogurt well and add salt and pepper powder keep aside.
• Add the boiled bottle gourd and check for seasoning.
• Sprinkle cumin seed powder and chopped coriander and serve cold with any rotis or rice.