Bottle gourd, popularly known as lauki, may not be everyone’s favourite vegetable, but it deserves a place on your plate if you’re trying to lose weight. Low in calories and rich in water and fibre, lauki helps keep you full for longer while supporting digestion and hydration. The key is to prepare it in ways that are healthy, tasty, and not loaded with excess oil. Here are some easy recipes that can make lauki a regular part of your weight-loss diet. (Image: Pexels)

Lauki Soup
A warm bowl of lauki soup makes for a light and filling meal. Simply pressure-cook chopped bottle gourd with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Blend everything together and enjoy a nutritious soup that’s low in calories and packed with nutrients. (Image: Instagram/@cookwithdee.in)

Lauki Moong Dal
This simple dish combines the goodness of bottle gourd with protein-rich moong dal. Cook both together with basic spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Pair it with a small portion of brown rice or whole wheat roti for a balanced meal. (Image: Pinterest)

Lauki Raita
Grated and boiled lauki mixed with low-fat curd makes a refreshing side dish. Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, and chopped coriander for extra flavour. Rich in probiotics and fibre, this raita can complement lunch or dinner. (Image: Pinterest)

Lauki Chilla
Blend grated lauki with besan (gram flour), green chillies, coriander, and spices to make a batter. Cook like a pancake using very little oil. These savoury chillas are perfect for breakfast or an evening snack. (Image: Pinterest)

Lauki Juice
Fresh lauki juice is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts. Blend peeled bottle gourd with mint leaves and a little lemon juice. Drink it fresh and in moderation. Always taste a small piece of raw lauki before juicing and avoid using it if it tastes bitter. (Image: Pinterest)

Lauki Sabzi
The classic Indian lauki sabzi can be made healthier by using less oil and adding tomatoes, peas, or carrots for extra nutrients. Enjoy it with whole wheat rotis for a simple and balanced meal. (Image: Pinterest)

Lauki Oats Khichdi
Replace rice with oats and cook them with bottle gourd, moong dal, and vegetables. This fibre-rich one-pot meal is easy to digest and keeps you full for longer, making it ideal for those watching their calorie intake. (Image: Pinterest)
