Lauki Ki Sabzi (Bottle Gourd Curry) - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

• 500 grams lauki (bottle gourd) (peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces (about 3.5 cups))
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds
• 1 stalk curry leaves
• 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1 inch ginger (minced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup water
• salt (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice ((or 1/2 teaspoon of amchur powder))
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (cilantro)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2-1 teaspoon garam masala

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Preparing the Lauki/Bottle Gourd ---

2. 2

   Wash the bottle gourd and cut off the top and bottom ends using a sharp knife. Peel off the skin with a peeler and cut it in half lengthwise. Also, remove large seeds, if any.Now cut each into bite-size ½-inch cubes.

3. 3

   --- Instant Pot Method ---

4. 4

   Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.

5. 5

   Then add minced ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Saute for a few secs.

6. 6

   Add chopped onions. Saute till the onions are soft and translucent.

7. 7

   Next, add tomatoes and all the dry spices like turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for two minutes or till tomatoes turn soft and mushy.

8. 8

   Then add the lauki pieces and water. Mix everything well.Note: If your Instant Pot has shown BURN in the past, add an extra two tablespoons of water. Also, Deglaze the bottom of the pot using liquids to remove any stuck bits to avoid a BURN alert.

9. 9

   Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to "SEALING". Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 5 minutes.

10. 10

    When the instant pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.

11. 11

    Remove lid away from you, squeeze lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves. Mix well. If there is any excess water, change the setting to SAUTE mode and cook until you get the desired consistency.

12. 12

    Instant pot Lauki Sabji (Bottle Gourd Curry) recipe is ready, serve hot with chapatis, roti & parathas.

13. 13

    --- Stovetop Pressure Cooker Instructions ---

14. 14

    Follow the same process mentioned above for the Instant Pot. For a stovetop pressure cooker, cook for 1–2 whistles on medium heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. All the other steps remain the same.

15. 15

    --- Stovetop Pot Instructions ---

16. 16

    Follow the same process mentioned above for Instant Pot. Cover Kadai with a lid and cook till lauki gets soft on medium flame. Do stir once or twice in between. Once lauki is cooked, add garam masala and garnish it with cilantro. All the other steps remain the same for Bottle gourd curry.