Hydrating Clear Bottle Gourd Soup
This Hydrating Clear Bottle Gourd Soup is a wonderfully light and nourishing dish, perfect for a gentle cleanse or a comforting meal. Its simplicity highlights the natural, subtle sweetness of bottle gourd, making it incredibly easy on the digestive system.
For 4 servings
Prepare the bottle gourd: Wash the bottle gourd thoroughly, then peel its skin using a vegetable peeler. Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out any large seeds if present (smaller seeds can be left). Dice the gourd into approximately 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) cubes.
Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized pot or saucepan, combine the diced bottle gourd, grated fresh ginger, and vegetable broth. Ensure the gourd is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring to a boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Simmer until tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. The bottle gourd should become very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Season the soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed to your preference.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. For a slightly thicker consistency, you can lightly mash a portion of the cooked gourd against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choosing Bottle Gourd: Select a bottle gourd that is firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. Smaller gourds tend to be more tender and less seedy.
- 2Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can blend about half of the cooked gourd with a little broth using an immersion blender, then stir it back into the pot.
- 3Enhancing Flavor: For a deeper umami, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the broth, or a very small amount of nutritional yeast.
- 4Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a finely chopped green chili or a pinch of red chili flakes along with the ginger for a subtle heat.
Heartier VersionHeartier Version
To make it more substantial, add 1/4 cup of cooked moong dal (split yellow lentils) or a handful of rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Aromatic BoostAromatic Boost
Sauté a pinch of cumin seeds and a curry leaf in a teaspoon of oil before adding the broth and gourd for an enhanced aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Hydration
Bottle gourd is over 90% water, making this soup an excellent way to replenish fluids and maintain hydration, crucial for overall bodily functions.
Aids Digestion
Rich in dietary fiber, bottle gourd promotes healthy digestion, helps prevent constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome, making it ideal for sensitive stomachs.
Nutrient-Rich
This soup provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, K, and calcium, contributing to immunity, bone health, and electrolyte balance with very few calories.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh is always best for texture, you can use frozen diced bottle gourd. Thaw it first or add it directly to the broth; cooking time might be slightly reduced.
