My recipe for a yummy bottle gourd soup

The humble ‘Bottle gourd’ is a rich source of vitamin C, K and calcium. It also brings down bad cholesterol levels. It’s very beneficial for diabetic patients as it stabilizes the blood sugar level, also maintains blood pressure. So let’s get started.

To begin with, cut a small piece from one end of the bottle gourd and taste it to check if it is bitter in taste. Sometimes the bottle gourd could be little bitter on the sides and that can spoil the soup. Try to use a bottle gourd that is not bitter and has sweetness of its own.

Now cut the bottle gourd into medium size pieces, no need to peel off the outer skin. Cover it with water and put it on the flame. Add salt to as per your taste and let it come to a boil. Do not cover the utensil.

Take one onion and a few cloves of garlic for a small bottle gourd. If you have a bigger bottle gourd increase the quantity of the onion and garlic.

In a small pan saute the onion, garlic in a spoonful of oil. Do not let it caramelize.

Now take the onion and garlic off the heat. Season it with red chili flakes, dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary and freshly cracked paper. Then add a pinch of salt.

On the other hand, try not to overcook the bottle gourd. After it comes to a boil and gets soft, take it off the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Now is the time to blend everything together. After everything is blended well together, pour it in the saucepan and let it simmer for a few minutes.

And now let it cool down for a minute.

Here is the smooth and tasty bottle gourd soup. If you like, add a little cream. If you are calorie conscious, no need to do that. The soup has a good consistency and creaminess of its own.