Not everyone likes the almost-bland taste of bottle gourd. But here are 5 easy ways to use the green vegetable, that is packed with nutrition and water, for keeping your diet cool.

Lauki Raita

Using just plain yoghurt, boiled and grated bottle gourd and with a pinch of black salt, you are good to go for an instant cool dish that goes well as a dip or a side dish with the main course meal. You can elevate the dish with a tadka of jeera and chilli flakes for that instant burst of flavour.

Lauki Bharta

Mash bottle gourd with tomato and eggplant (optional) and temper it with spices for a super delicious and easy side dish. You can have it with rice and lentils or with roti.

Lauki Chutney

Using jaggery powder, tamarind, some spices and bottle gourd, you can easily whip up some chutney that is cool for the gut and tasty for the taste buds.

Lauki Laddoo

While you must have heard they make halwa and mithai with the vegetable, you can also make laddoos using the veggie, coconut, sugar, condensed milk and some dry fruits.

Lauki Juice

A bit bitter but super healthy, you can juice bottle gourd and cucumber together for a healthy potent drink.