Bottle Gourd Peel Recipe – Lentil Dumpling & Spice Stir-Fry

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bottle Gourd Peel Recipe – Lentil Dumpling & Spice Stir-Fry

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a real hidden gem from my grandmother’s kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to use every part of the bottle gourd, and honestly, it’s way more delicious than you might think! This Bottle Gourd Peel Stir-Fry with Lentil Dumplings is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another vegetable stir-fry. It’s a celebration of resourceful cooking! We’re taking something often discarded – the bottle gourd peels – and turning it into a truly tasty meal. It’s a little bit different, a little bit special, and packed with flavour. Plus, the crispy lentil dumplings add a wonderful textural contrast. I first made this when I was trying to reduce food waste, and it quickly became a family favourite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

• 2 cups bottle gourd peels
• 10-12 tiny dried lentil dumplings (approx. 50-60g)
• 1 dry red chili
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon nigella seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ – 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon oil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is all about making the most of what you have.

• Bottle Gourd Peels: Don’t toss those peels! They’re the star of the show. Using the peels is a fantastic zero-waste cooking technique.
• Lentil Dumplings: These little guys go by different names depending on where you are in India. You might know them as maas kofta in some regions, or dal vada elsewhere. They’re usually made from ground lentils and spices, then deep-fried or dried. If you can’t find them pre-made, don’t worry – I’ve included a substitution suggestion in the FAQs!
• Oil: Traditionally, this dish is made with mustard oil for a lovely pungent flavour. However, groundnut oil works beautifully too, and is a great alternative if you don’t like the strong taste of mustard oil.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, thinly slice the bottle gourd peels into matchstick-like strips using a sharp knife. This is easiest if the bottle gourd is firm.
2. Boil the sliced peels in salted water for about 5 minutes. This helps to soften them and remove any bitterness. Then, drain them well.
3. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the dried lentil dumplings until they’re golden brown and crispy. Set them aside – we’ll add them back in later.
4. In the same oil, temper the bay leaves, dry red chili, and nigella seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the boiled bottle gourd peels, salt, and turmeric powder to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes, then cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Now, stir in the fried lentil dumplings. Add about ½ cup (120ml) of water, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
7. Finally, sprinkle in the sugar, adjust the salt to your liking, and cook uncovered for about 2 minutes. This helps the sauce to thicken slightly. And that’s it! Serve hot and enjoy.

Expert Tips

Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Texture is Key: Don’t overcook the bottle gourd peels. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Bitterness Buster: If you’re worried about bitterness, soaking the peels in salted water for a little longer (up to 30 minutes) can help.
• Crispy Dumplings: Make sure the oil is hot enough when frying the lentil dumplings. This will ensure they get nice and crispy.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check that your lentil dumplings don’t contain any animal products.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce or omit the dry red chili.
  • Medium: Use one dry red chili.
  • Spicy: Add an extra dry red chili or a pinch of chili powder.
• Festival Adaptation: This dish is often enjoyed during fasting periods like Navratri (vrat ka khana) as bottle gourd is a permitted vegetable.

Serving Suggestions

This Bottle Gourd Peel Stir-Fry is delicious on its own, or as part of a larger Indian meal. I love serving it with a side of roti or rice, and a cooling raita. It’s also great with a simple dal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

1. Can I use the flesh of the bottle gourd in another recipe after peeling it?

Absolutely! The flesh can be used in dals, curries, or even stuffed vegetable dishes. Don’t let any part of the bottle gourd go to waste!

2. What if I don’t have dried lentil dumplings? Can I use something else?

If you can’t find dried lentil dumplings, you can substitute with small, crispy papads (Indian lentil crackers) broken into pieces. They won’t have exactly the same flavour, but they’ll add a nice crunch.

3. How can I reduce the bitterness in bottle gourd peels?

Soaking the peels in salted water for 30 minutes before boiling can help. Also, make sure to scrape off any of the darker green outer layer of the peel, as that’s where most of the bitterness resides.

4. Is this dish suitable for people with diabetes?

Bottle gourd is generally considered a good vegetable for people with diabetes due to its low glycemic index. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? How long will it keep?

You can prep the bottle gourd peels and fry the lentil dumplings ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just follow the remaining steps. The finished dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.