BOTTLE GOURD MUTHIYA 

I would call it a Vegan Sausage.  A hand made sausage shaped steamed dish, perfect replacement for its meaty version.  You can finish it as a Kebab by grilling it ultimately and I bet it will adorn as a hero of your appetizer platter.  Once I tried giving it a tandoori food color and I had to explain my Vegetarian friends that it is just humble Bottle gourd and not chicken.

Use it as a filler to Rolls and Wraps.  My mom  used to send it with paranthas and it tastes yum even as a cold dish.  Take it to picnic, traveling, as it is double cooked (steamed and grilled), it has a long lasting life without refrigeration.

Lets try making it today.  Please let  me know your difficulty at any stage while executing the recipe.  We can together make it work.

 

Ingredients ( for 4 )
Bottle gourd (large sized) peeled and finely grated	1
Coarse wheat flour	1 cup
Gram flour	½ cup
Chilli powder	½ tsp
Turmeric powder	½ tsp
whole fennel and coriander seeds	½ tsp each
Ginger (finely chopped or crushed)	1 inch
Green chilli (finely chopped)	1 medium
Baking soda	A generous pinch
Coconut , grated (optional)	As desired
Salt	To taste
Oil	5 tbsp
Mustard seeds	1 tsp
Curry leaves	10-12
White sesame seeds ( optional )	1 tbsp

Method :

1. Squeeze the grated bottle gourd. For better results, salt the grated bottle gourd and keep aside for 5 minutes, then squeeze – this reduces the water and also seasons the vegetable.
2. Assemble all together like the picture above and now mix. Knead lightly to incorporate the ingredients.
3. knead into a soft dough. Let the dough sit for about  IO minutes. ( the dough should not be too thin. It should be of medium consistency should not drip from a spoon very easily. I f the dough becomes sticky,add more gram flour to make it soft.)
4. Shape the dough into thick, long, cylindrical pieces resembling bananas. Apply a bi t of oil on your hands beforehand, to make the shaping easier.
5. Put i n a steamer for about 20 minutes. Insert a knife or toothpick to check i f they are ready. I f ready,  he tooth pick / knife will come out clean. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Slice into roundels.
6. For the seasoning, heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. When they splutter, add the curry leaves. Add the steamed roundels and saute until crispy.
7. Add the sesame seeds (optional) and saute until golden and crisp.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander and grated coconut.

 

For your reference Lauki:

 

This bottle shaped veggie is Lauki.  I suggest to my cooking guests using a Zucchini or Courgette in place of Bottle gourd as it has closest resemblance in terms of texture and flavor.

In my very first post I did Lauki Ka Halwa-Bottle Gourd Halwa .  This is a wonderful vegetable. and has tremendous health benefits.

I hope you will enjoy this dish.

Cook Fresh Eat Healthy.