Looking for a light, refreshing side dish to balance your meals? This Lauki Raita (also called Dudhi Raita or Ghiya Raita) is the perfect addition to your table. Made with cooked bottle gourd, creamy yogurt, and simple spices, it's a cooling, nutritious dish that pairs beautifully with everyday Indian meals.
Whether you're serving it with pulao, biryani, or dal-chawal, this easy raita recipe comes together quickly and is especially great during warmer months.
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This Lauki Raita is also completely Vrat-friendly, making it a perfect side dish during Navratri fasting or any fasting. Made with ghee-sautéed bottle gourd and fresh yogurt, it's light, cooling, and easy to digest.
If you're looking for more wholesome and simple recipes for fasting, explore my full collection of Navratri vrat recipes to enjoy a variety of tasty, fasting-approved meals.
What is Lauki Raita?
Lauki Raita is a traditional Indian yogurt-based side dish made using bottle gourd (lauki/dudhi) and curd. It has a mild, soothing flavor with subtle spices like roasted cumin and green chili.
Raita, in general, is known for its cooling and digestive properties, making it the perfect accompaniment to spicy meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light, cooling & easy to digest
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for summer meals
- Naturally gluten-free & vegetarian
- Ready in under 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated lauki (bottle gourd / dudhi)
- 1 cup yogurt (curd), chilled
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt or black salt, to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of garam masala (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
How to Make Lauki Raita
1. Sauté the Lauki
Heat ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add the grated lauki and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it softens and the moisture mostly evaporates.
2. Cool Completely
Turn off the heat and let the sautéed lauki cool completely. This helps keep the yogurt from curdling.
3. Whisk the Yogurt
In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Raita
Add the cooled lauki to the yogurt. Mix in roasted cumin powder, green chili, salt, and optional spices.
5. Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve chilled or slightly cool.
This method gives the raita a slightly richer, nutty flavor thanks to the ghee-simple but so delicious!
Looking for more lauki recipes? Checkout this amazing collection of lauki recipes.
Tips for Best Lauki Raita
- Always taste lauki before cooking - bitter gourd should not be used
- Use fresh, non-sour yogurt for best flavor
- Don't overcook lauki-keep it soft but not mushy If there's excess moisture, cook a little longer to dry it out
- Add mint leaves or mint leaves powder for extra freshness
Serving Suggestions
This dudhi raita pairs perfectly with:
- Vegetable pulao or biryani
- Dal rice or khichdi
- Paratha or roti sabzi meals
- As a cooling side for spicy curries
Variations
- Mint Lauki Raita - add fresh mint paste or mint leaves powder
- Boondi Lauki Raita - mix in crispy boondi
- Spicy Version - add red chili powder or chaat masala
- Tempered Raita - add mustard seeds & curry leaves tadka
Health Benefits of Lauki Raita
- Bottle gourd is hydrating and low in calories
- Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health
- Helps cool the body and aids digestion
- Ideal for light meals or fasting-friendly diets
Storage Tips
- Best enjoyed fresh
- Can be refrigerated for up to 1 day
- Stir before serving if it releases water
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, lauki raita is very healthy as it combines hydrating, low-calorie bottle gourd with probiotic-rich yogurt that supports digestion. It's light, cooling, and a great addition to balanced meals, especially in warm weather.
Yes, you can absolutely eat lauki (bottle gourd) and curd together-it's a common and healthy combination in dishes like lauki raita. It's cooling, easy to digest, and especially beneficial during summer months.
Lauki ka raita is called bottle gourd raita in English. It's a yogurt-based side dish made with cooked or sautéed bottle gourd and mild spices.
No, lauki (bottle gourd) and zucchini are not the same - they are different vegetables with distinct textures and flavors. Lauki is softer and more watery when cooked, while zucchini is firmer and slightly sweeter.
Yes, you can use zucchini instead of lauki in raita, especially if bottle gourd isn't available. Just lightly sauté or cook the zucchini and cool it before mixing with yogurt, as it has less water and a slightly different texture.
More Raita Recipes
This simple lauki raita recipe is a must-try if you're looking for something light, healthy, and refreshing. It's one of those underrated dishes that quietly elevates any meal.
If you haven't tried dudhi raita before, now is the perfect time!
Lauki Raita (Dudhi Raita Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated lauki (bottle gourd / dudhi)
- 1 cup yogurt (curd), chilled
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt or black salt, to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- pinch of garam masala (optional)
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a pan on medium heat.
- Add grated lauki and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and most of the moisture evaporates.
- Turn off the heat and let the lauki cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
- Add the cooled lauki to the yogurt.
- Mix in roasted cumin powder, green chili, salt, and optional spices.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve chilled or slightly cool.
Notes
- Do not add hot lauki to yogurt, as it may curdle.
- Cook off excess moisture to avoid watery raita.
- Use fresh, non-sour yogurt for best taste.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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