Indian Bottle Gourd Bharta Dish

1. Take one bottle gourd and roast it over direct gas heat until it is completely dark and the skin starts to release

2. Peel the skin and chop the bottle gourd well with a knife

3. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan

4. Add one teaspoon of cumin seeds

5. Add a pinch of asafoetida powder

6. Add one teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste

7. Add finely chopped green chillies as per taste

8. Add one finely chopped onion

9. Add salt as per taste

10. Add one finely chopped tomato and cook until it is soft

11. Add one teaspoon of coriander powder

12. Add red chilli powder as per taste

13. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder

14. Optionally add garam masala

15. Roast the mixture well and then add the charred bottle gourd

16. Mix everything well, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat

17. Add kasuri methi and chopped coriander at the end

Serving suggestions

1. Enjoy the lauki bharta with roti or ragi roti