Lauki Paratha (Bottle Gourd Flatbread) (parota)

Ingredients

• 1 medium Bottle gourd (lauki) (peeled and grated; squeeze out excess water)
• 1 cup Whole wheat flour (atta) (plus extra for rolling)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (for dough and cooking)
• 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp Red chili powder (optional for heat)
• ¼ tsp Turmeric powder (for color and flavor)
• ½ tsp Garam masala (optional)
• ½ tsp Cumin seeds (optional; can use ground cumin)
• 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves (chopped, optional)
• 1 small Green chili (finely chopped, optional)
• as needed Water (to adjust dough consistency)

Instructions

1. Grate the Lauki

   Wash, peel, and grate the bottle gourd using a fine grater. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible.

   Time: PT5M

2. Make the Dough

   In the mixing bowl combine the squeezed grated lauki, whole wheat flour, salt, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin seeds, chopped coriander, green chili and 2 tbsp ghee. Mix with hands, adding a splash of water if needed, until a soft, non‑sticky dough forms.

   Time: PT5M

3. Rest the Dough

   Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.

   Time: PT15M

4. Divide and Shape

   Divide the rested dough into 4‑5 equal-sized balls. Lightly dust each ball with flour.

   Time: PT5M

5. Roll the Parathas

   Using a rolling pin, roll each ball on a lightly floured surface into a 6‑8 inch circle, about 2‑3 mm thick.

   Time: PT5M

6. Cook on the Tawa

   Heat a skillet or tawa over medium heat (≈180°C). Place the rolled paratha on the hot surface, cook 1‑2 minutes until bubbles appear, flip, brush the cooked side with a little ghee, cook another 1‑2 minutes until golden brown spots appear on both sides.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 180°C

7. Serve

   Stack the hot parathas in a serving dish, optionally drizzle a little more ghee, and serve immediately with yogurt, pickle, or chutney.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

2 g