Dudhi Dhirde {Savory Bottle Gourd Pancake}

Ingredients

• 2 cups dudhi (bottle gourd) peeled and grated
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 cup rava
• ¼ cup wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds lightly crushed
• 2 tablespoons roasted ground peanuts
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon green chilies minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger grated
• 1 cup water or as needed
• ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee for cooking
• ¾ cup yogurt
• ½ cup roasted peanuts coarsley ground
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Steps

1. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated dudhi, yogurt, rava, wheat flour, rice flour, cumin seeds, roasted peanuts, salt, green chilies, ginger, and cilantro.
2. Gradually add water until you have a thick, pourable batter. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the rava to absorb moisture and soften.
3. Cook the Dhirde: Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
4. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it gently to form a thin pancake.
5. Drizzle a bit of oil or ghee around the edges and cook until golden and crispy on one side, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, ground peanuts, salt, chili powder, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
8. Adjust salt or sugar to taste if needed.
9. Serve the warm, crispy Dudhi Dhirde with the cool, spiced yogurt chutney on the side. Enjoy your meal!