Mashed Lauki
A gentle, nourishing mash of bottle gourd, tomato, and mild spices. Perfectly soft and easy for toddlers to digest, this dish is an ideal first food or a comforting, healthy meal for little ones.
For 4 servings
Cook the bottle gourd.
- Place the cubed bottle gourd in a pressure cooker.
- Add water and a pinch of salt.
- Close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles on medium heat, or until very soft.
- Let the pressure release naturally.
TIPCooking the lauki until it's extremely soft is key to getting a smooth mash without a blender.Mash the cooked lauki.
Open the cooker and mash the lauki thoroughly with the back of a spoon or a potato masher until it reaches a smooth, puree-like consistency. Set aside.
Prepare the tempering.
- Heat ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the grated ginger and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
TIPKeep the heat low to prevent the ginger and spices from burning.Cook the tomato masala.
- Add the finely chopped tomato and turmeric powder to the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato is soft and mushy.
- Mash the tomato with your spatula to break it down completely.
Combine and finish the dish.
Pour the mashed lauki into the pan with the tomato masala. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to combine. The consistency should be like a thick puree.
Garnish and serve.
Turn off the heat. If using, stir in the finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve the mashed lauki warm to your toddler.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For babies under 1 year old, completely omit the salt.
- 2Ensure the bottle gourd is peeled well, removing all the hard green skin.
- 3You can steam the bottle gourd in a steamer instead of pressure cooking it.
- 4To save time, you can prepare the tempering in the same pressure cooker after removing and mashing the lauki.
- 5This mash can be served on its own or mixed with a little plain rice or quinoa.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's extremely healthy. Bottle gourd is hydrating, low in calories, and very easy to digest. Ghee provides healthy fats essential for brain development. It's an excellent introductory food for babies and toddlers.
