Three Generations of Flavor: Bottle Gourd (or Zucchini!) Made Simple

In this episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie welcomes Padma from My Good Food World to share a beloved, three-generation Indian recipe made with bottle gourd (lauki).

This simple, nourishing dish is rich in family history and tradition. Padma walks us through how her grandmother passed the recipe to her mother, who passed it to her along with very specific tips like never cooking the ginger!

Whether you have access to bottle gourd or need to swap in zucchini, Padma offers practical advice for adapting the recipe while keeping its heart intact.

We talk about:

• Cooking with bottle gourd and its substitutes
• Using spices like mustard seeds and asafoetida for flavor
• The beauty of simple, frugal, everyday food
• How leftovers become comforting soup
• Why hand-me-down recipes connect us to our roots

This is a gentle, encouraging conversation about seasonal cooking, honoring tradition, and savoring simple meals that nourish body and spirit.

Find links & resources: https://handmedownrecipes.com/podcast-episode-9/