Odia Cuisine -The Little Known cuisine from the Land of Lord Jagannath in Eastern India-ODISHA

LAUKI RECIPE -3 Lau badi Fulaa/ Lau badi Santula ( Odia Village Type) A typical Odia healthy, simple and tasty side dish on a steamed rice platter! I think, no where else this simple recipe is followed. 3-4 serves Peel lightly and chop a tender lauki (bottlegourd-1) into small dices. If extremely tender and green, you may retain the skin- your choice. Discard the middle seedy portion, if not tender. Keep handy about 15-20 numbers ( about two big handfuls/a cupful) of  phula badi ( see Note) , which are readily available in market. Procedure ( ingredients highlighted and quantity given within bracket) Pressure cook lauki adding salt to taste, a bit of chopped tomato (½ of one ), a bit of chopped green chilli (to taste) and a bit of water( say ½ cup) . Bring to one whistle on high flame ( usually takes hardly 3-4 mins) and switch off; rest for 1 minute and cool under running tap. Open. Lauki would be rightly cooked and soft by then, but not mashy. Alte...