Bottle Gourd Soup with Rosemary Flavour

          Low in fat, Bottle Gourd soup is very healthy and nutritious. A handful of rosemary adds to its flavour. However, you can substitute it with mint or coriander leaves. Bottle Gourd contains calcium and dietary fibre. 

          It is good for the heart, improves digestion, aids in weight loss and is good for the tummy. So this nutritious and wholesome soup is ideal for everybody. You can add a dash of lime to enhance the taste and flavour. It can be relished as a light dinner with few bread sticks or bread croutons.

• 2 cups bottle gourd, roughly chopped
• handful of rosemary
• 1 tsp. butter
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1/2" ginger
• 1-2 green chilies
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste / 1 tomato, roughly chopped
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp. coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp. cumin powder
• any garnish of your choice

          Heat oil and butter in a pan. Sauté the onion, ginger, garlic and green chilies till translucent. 

          Add the chopped bottle gourd, rosemary, tomato and all the dry spices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.

          Add 2 cups water and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. Keep aside to cool and then blend into a smooth puree.

          While serving, heat through and garnish as per your choice. Enjoy just as it is or with soup sticks / bread croutons for a light comfort meal.