Lauki Moong Dal Soup (Bottle Gourd Soup) - Instant Pot
Lauki Soup or Bottle Gourd Soup is quick, filling, rich and creamy soup that can be made in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker with just a handful of ingredients.
Servings 4
Calories 43kcal
Ingredients
- 1 medium bottle gourd (lauki) peeled and diced (about 2.5 - 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons moong dal (or masoor dal)
- 1 small onion roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 inch ginger chopped
- 1 green chili (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coriander stems (optional)
- salt to taste
- 2 cups water (or vegetable broth) garnish
- black pepper powder to taste
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves
Instructions
Instant Pot Method:
- To the Instant Pot, add bottle gourd (peeled and diced), moong dal, onion (roughly chopped), garlic cloves, ginger, green chili (optional), coriander stems, salt, and water (or vegetable broth). Mix everything well.Note: If you wish, you can also add 1 medium chopped tomato along with the bottle gourd. I did not use it in this recipe.
- Furthermore, close the lid on the pot and set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and timer to 5 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid.Puree the soup using a hand blender until smooth. If you don't have a hand blender, puree it in a mixer blender once it is slightly cooled.
- Then add crushed black pepper, roasted cumin powder for seasoning, and salt if needed. Also, if you think the soup is too thick, add water or vegetable broth to the soup and simmer it for 2-3 minutes until hot.
- Lastly, add lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves. Mix well. Instant Pot lauki ka soup is ready to serve.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker
- Follow the same steps as Instant Pot. Give 2 whistles on medium flame and let the pressure release naturally. All the other steps remain the same.
Stovetop Pot
- Follow the same steps as the Instant Pot. Cover the pot with a lid and cook till lauki gets soft, about 15-20 minutes. Do stir once or twice in between. All the other steps remain the same.
Notes
I have prepared this dish in my electric pressure cooker, Instant Pot DUO60 6 QT.
Variations:
- Add in some extra veggies: feel free to add a handful of chopped broccoli or potatoes along with bottle gourd, which gives a more creamy texture. You can also add some spinach.
- Lentils: You can replace moong dal with masoor dal (red lentils) or toor dal. You can totally skip it as well.
- Coconut Milk: You can also add some coconut milk to flavor the soup.
- Toppings: You can also use air fryer roasted chickpeas or sesame as a healthier topping option.
- Fresh Herbs: I used coriander leaves. To make an Italian version, add rosemary, oregano, or thyme.
- Make it spicy: Sprinkle some crushed red chili flakes into this soup before serving it to give a soup kick.
Nutrition
Calories: 43kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg