Creamy Bottlegourd Basil Soup

This recipe was contributed by Dr. Rashmi Menon.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped unpeeled bottle gourd (dudhi)
  • 10 -12 basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ a medium-sized onion, coarsely chopped
  • ½ tsp black pepper (kali mirch) powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp unrefined salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 tbsp thick coconut milk

Method

Roughly grate the bottle gourd with the skin on. Steam for 4-5 minutes until soft. Blend in a blender with basil leaves, onion, pepper and garlic cloves.

Pour the mixture into a saucepan and add a cup of water and salt as per taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with coriander. You could swirl some thick coconut milk into the soup on top for presentation and to add flavour.

Serves 2