# Stuffed Lauki Boats with Paneer & Peas in Tomato Gravy

> A wholesome, protein-rich Indian dish that's comforting, flavourful and perfect for weeknights. Bottlegourd (lauki) is stuffed with a spiced paneer and peas filling, then simmered in a rich tomato gravy.

- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Time: 35 min · Serves 4 · Easy
- Per serving: 320 kcal · 18 g protein · 28 g carbs · 12 g fat
- Tags: High Protein, Calcium, Fibre
- Published: 2026-09-23
- Source: https://idyora.com/recipes/stuffed-lauki-boats

## Ingredients

### For the Lauki Boats
- 2 medium lauki (bottlegourd)
- Salt (for boiling)
- 1 tsp oil

### For the Stuffing
- 200 g paneer (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 green chilli (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

### For the Tomato Gravy
- 2 large tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp kasuri methi
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp cream (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Fresh coriander for garnish

## Method

1. **Prepare the Lauki.** Wash, peel and cut the lauki into halves lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds carefully to make boats. Boil in salted water for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and keep aside.
2. **Make the Stuffing.** Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add ginger garlic paste and green chilli. Add peas and spices. Finally, add crumbled paneer and mix well. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Turn off the heat and add coriander leaves.
3. **Prepare the Tomato Gravy.** In the same pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds, onions and sauté until soft. Add ginger garlic paste, then tomato puree and spices. Cook until the oil separates. Add kasuri methi and cream (optional).
4. **Stuff the Lauki.** Fill the prepared lauki halves with the paneer and peas mixture.
5. **Simmer and Serve.** Place the stuffed lauki boats in the tomato gravy. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes on low heat. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

## Tips

- Use fresh, firm lauki for best results.
- You can bake the stuffed lauki instead of boiling for a deeper flavour.
- Add grated cheese on top for a richer taste.
- Works great with tofu instead of paneer for a vegan version.

## How to serve

Serve hot with phulka, jeera rice or a simple cucumber raita for a balanced plate.

## Nutrients per serving

- Fibre: 6g
- Calcium: 280mg
- Iron: 3.2mg
- Vitamin A: 650IU
- Vitamin C: 18mg