Bottle Gourd Recipe (Kaddu Bhat Recipe)

Chhath Puja Kaddu Bhat Special Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3–4 people

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups peeled and chopped Bottle Gourd (kaddu)
• 1 cup washed and soaked gram pulse ( chana dal )
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1–2 green chilies (optional)
• 1 pinch of zinger
• Salt to taste (rock salt is usually used during puja)
• 2 cups water
• 1 Bay leaves, 4-5 black peeper, 2-3 cloves, half inch cinnamon, 1 cardamom
• 1/2 spoon turmeric powder

Method of Making

1. Prepare the (KADDU)– Peel and cut the bottle gourd into small cubes.
2. Heat ghee:
   In a deep pan or kadhai, heat ghee on medium flame. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add green chilies. zinger, Bay leaves, black peeper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom. Stir for half minute.
3. Add :
   Add the chopped bottle gourd pieces and soaked gram pulse ( chana dal ). Saute them gently in ghee for 3–4 minutes till they turn slightly soft and golden
4. Add water and salt:
   Pour in 2 cup of water and add salt as per taste. Stir everything well.
5. Cook till done:
   Cover with a lid and cook on low flame till bottle gourd become soft and the water is absorbed (around 15–20 minutes).
6. Prepare the rice:
   Wash the rice. Boil two cups of water and add washed rice. let it cook on low to medium flame, in between check the rice. cook till rice soften. once cooked, drain excess water if left.
7. Serve hot:
   Kaddu Bhat is traditionally served with Chana Dal or Thekua as part of the Chhath Puja bhog. It can also be enjoyed plain — warm, simple, and full of divine flavor.

💪 Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber and vitamins: Pumpkin is full of Vitamin A, C, and antioxidants that help boost immunity.
• Good for digestion: Its high water and fiber content make it light on the stomach and easy to digest.
• Energy-giving meal: Rice and ghee together provide natural energy — perfect for fasting and puja days.
• Balances the body: This simple, satvik (pure vegetarian, without onion or garlic) meal helps the body stay calm and grounded during religious rituals.

🌞 Conclusion

Bottle Gourd Recipe or Kaddu Bhat isn’t just a dish — it’s a tradition filled with purity, devotion, and love. During Chhath Puja, it’s offered to the Sun God as prasad and then shared with family members. Its mild, comforting taste and wholesome aroma make it truly special. Every bite connects you to Bihar’s cultural roots and the warmth of homemade festive food.

Simple, soulful, and sacred — that’s the essence of Kaddu Bhat. 🌼

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