Lauki Soup Recipe | Perfect Indian-Style Lauki Soup At Home
Whenever you eat smooth, light, healthy, and high-in-nutrients soup, then lauki soup is the best option. This is one such soup, which you can easily make at home, and that too with very minimal ingredients. This lauki perfect pack has fiber, minerals, and digestion; this is a perfect meal for weight loss, detox days, healthy dinners, and even kids and elders, which is a comforting and simple food.
Today we are blogging. I have made perfect lauk soup with minimal ingredients, step by step in an easy way. I can make it at home with my recipe. With perfect tips and tricks.
What is Lauki Soup?
This is a smooth, blended soup that has lauki (bottle gourd), minimal spices, and either water or vegetarian broth. This is gluten-free, high in fiber, and easy to digest.
Traditionally, bottle gourd soup is made in Indian households during summers because it contains 92% water, which keeps us hydrated during summers. It is a very light, detox meal, easily customizable, and perfect for lunch, dinner, and evening cravings.
Ingredients for Lauki Soup:
- 2 cups lauki, finely peeled and chopped
- 1 small chopped onion
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 small tomato finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- Black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
- For extra flavor (optional but recommended)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- A pinch of turmeric
- Lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves
How to Make Lauki Soup—Step-by-Step Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel a bottle gourd and cut it into medium-sized pieces.
- Most importantly, after cutting, taste a small piece to see if it tastes bitter.
- If it tastes bitter, avoid it, as the bitter-tasting bottle gourd may be harmful.
Step 2: Sauté for Flavor:
- Then heat the pan or pressure cooker with 2 tbsp oil.
- Then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Then add garlic and onion and cook until it becomes soft.
Step 3: Add Lauki & Spices:
Then add the chopped lakhai pieces.
Sauté for 1-2 minutes and then add water or vegetable broth.
Step 4: Pressure Cook:
- Heat the pressure cooker on a medium-low flame till 2 whistles are done.
- Or if you are cooking using the pot method, then cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes until the lauki becomes soft.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth:
- Once you cook the lauki, release its pressure naturally, and add water to it. Use a blender to blend it.
- If you find the soup too thick, you can add water to maintain consistency.
Step 6: Simmer & Season:
- Transfer the blended soup to a pot.
- Then add salt, freshly crushed black pepper, and dried herbs.
- Simmer and cook on low flame. Be careful not to cook till it boils too much.
- You can also add fresh cream and cream cheese and mix gently.
Step 8: Serve Hot:
- Now your lauki (bottle gourd soup) is ready to serve; just add chopped coriander leaves and some cream.
- You can do this with the pair of toasted bread.
Lauki Soup Variations (Try These!):
1. Creamy Lauki Soup (Restaurant Style):
Add 2 tbsp fresh cream or coconut milk and 1 tbsp butter and blend until smooth and thick for restaurant-style creamy lauki soup.
2. Vegan Detox Version:
If you want satvic soup, just keep the onion and add ginger, pepper, and lemon; no ghee, no cream, just add coconut milk if you want the richness.
3. Spicy Masala Lauki Soup:
If you want to give it an Indian-style flavor, just add 1/4 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and some roasted jeera powder for spicy and masala lauki soup.
4. High-Protein Lauki Soup:
For the high-protein lauki soup, add 1/2 cup boiled moong dal or 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas. Add any one if you want to add 1 scoop of sunflower whey protein after cooling.
5. Meal-Replacement Lauki Soup:
To make it thicker and more filling, add 1 cup oats, carrot, spinach leaves, and 1 tsp olive oil.
Health Benefits of Lauki Soup:
1. Great for Weight Loss: This is a great option for weight loss because it's low in calories, high in fiber, and high in water content.
2. Excellent for Digestion: It's soft and easy to digest and ideal for the people who have acidity and bloating.
3. Hydrating & Cooling: Lauki has 92% water; it's great in summer.
4. Good for Heart Health: Lauki soup helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.
5. Beneficial for Diabetic Diets: low glycemic index and high fiber help the diabetic diets.
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Lauki Soup:
Tip 1: Choose Good Lauki: Always use small-sized, light green-colored lauki; avoid large and yellowish ones; and always taste the lauki before use.
Tip 2: Add Onion & Garlic for More Flavor: Adding onion and garlic helps to remove the raw lauki taste and make the soup tastier.
Tip 3: Pressure Cook Instead of Boiling: Pressure cooking retains flavor and cooks lauki faster.
Tip 4: Add Lemon at the End: If you heat lemon, it reduces the flavor. That's why you add lemon at the end.
Tip 5: For Creamy Texture: For the creamier version, blend the lauki mixture twice or strain it once.
Tip 6: For Kids: Add one boiled potato at the time of cooking and blend to make this thick and naturally sweet, which is loved by kids.
Tip 7: For Weight Loss: For weight loss, skip cream, butter, and potatoes, and use pepper, ginger, and lemon.
Tip 8: Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Add coriander and mint before serving; it enhances the flavor of the soup.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with:
- Garlic toast
- Multigrain bread
- Roasted papad
- Grilled vegetables
- Light salad
- Khakhra for a crispy bite
Storage Instructions:
You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat at the time of serving.
Remember, don't freeze it because the texture will become watery.
FAQs About Lauki Soup
1. Is Lauki Soup good for weight loss?
Yes, absolutely, lauki is low in calories, high in protein, and low in fat; it's become ideal for the people who want to lose weight.
2. Can I drink this soup daily?
Yes, it's gently healthy, improves digestion, and keeps you full for a long time.
3. Why does lauki taste bitter sometimes?
Bitter lauki contains the natural toxins; taste the lauki before using it. If it is bitter, do not use the lauki.
4. Can I make it without onion and garlic?
Yes, it still tastes great; just add ginger and pepper for flavor.
5. Can I use lauki with seeds?
If the seeds are soft and white, then it's fine; if the seeds are hard, just remove them.
Final Thoughts:
This is the perfect recipe. Who can imagine that something as simple as laxmi can be made into such a healthy, delicious, and warm dish? That too with so little effort. If you are looking for some quick dinner, lunch, or breakfast, then you must try this recipe; it is the perfect meal for the day.
If you like this recipe, then do try it and let me know how you liked it.
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