We have seen Neena Gupta frequently delighting us via her Instagram with straightforward yet tantalizing recipes. The seasoned actress also chronicles her culinary escapades on social media, keeping us in the loop with her foodie discoveries. In a recent post, she unveiled a speedy and effortless lauki recipe. Lauki, or bottle gourd, is renowned for its nutritional value and adaptability, making it an ideal summer ingredient. Neena Gupta's rendition draws inspiration from a traditional Bihari dish, promising a taste of authenticity. Curious to recreate it in your kitchen? Discover the simple steps below.

She starts by saying that she has already grated the lauki and soaked the rice, ensuring they're all set for the cooking process. On the stove, she places a vessel and adds the grated bottle gourd, followed by handfuls of the pre-soaked rice. With the lauki naturally holding moisture, she advises adding only a small amount of water to the vessel. Meanwhile, preparing a flavorful tadka using cumin seeds, coriander seeds, garlic cloves, and curry leaves in ghee, spicing it up with a dash of red chili powder. This aromatic mixture is then poured into the vessel with the cooking lauki and rice. After thorough mixing, she portions out a serving for herself.

Lauki Jabar aka lauka bhaat (meaning just lauki rice), where lauki and rice are mixed together.

Nutritionist Sangeetaa Khanna on her Instagram says “One of the heirloom varieties of lauki is a large elongated variety with a bigger diameter, darker green skin and light coloured mottling. That one has higher water content and was used for making this lauka jabar, a delicious risotto like dish that’s comforting, hydrating, filling and nutritious in every way. If you are not the protein guzzler I mean.”

The diced bottle gourd and soaked rice simmer together in a mixture of milk, water, and salt until tender. Later, they're given a flavor boost with a tempering of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies in mustard oil. Light yet bursting with flavors, this Lauka Jabar dish is an absolute culinary delight.