Demystifying the Calorie Count: How many calories are in lauki paratha?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

With lauki (bottle gourd) being over 96% water and very low in calories, the perception is that lauki paratha is a low-calorie dish. However, the actual calorie count is influenced by other ingredients and cooking methods, making it important to understand How many calories are in lauki paratha?

Quick Summary

A typical lauki paratha's calorie count ranges from 115 to over 200 calories, varying significantly with its size, the amount of cooking oil or ghee used, and the precise recipe. This nutritious flatbread provides a good source of fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamins while remaining a relatively healthy choice compared to other fried options.

Key Points

Calorie Count Varies: The exact calorie count of lauki paratha depends on the size, the amount of whole wheat flour, and the quantity of cooking oil or ghee used, typically ranging from 115 to over 200 calories per serving.
Ingredients Affect Nutrition: The majority of calories come from whole wheat flour and cooking fat, while the lauki itself contributes very few calories but significant fiber and water.
Reduce Fat for Lower Calories: Minimizing the use of oil or ghee is the most effective way to decrease the overall calorie content of the dish.
Enhance with Fiber: Adding extra grated lauki or other vegetables like spinach increases the fiber and nutrient content, promoting satiety.
Relatively Healthy Option: When compared to other stuffed parathas like aloo paratha, lauki paratha is a healthier alternative, especially when prepared with less oil.
Pairing is Key: Serving lauki paratha with low-calorie sides like raita or green chutney can create a balanced and satisfying meal without excessive calories.

Understanding the Calorie Variability

The number of calories in a lauki paratha is not a fixed figure but rather a range determined by several factors. A single serving can range from approximately 115 to over 236 calories, based on different recipes and cooking practices. For instance, a larger paratha cooked with a generous amount of ghee will naturally have a higher calorie count than a smaller one cooked with minimal oil. The primary factors include the quantity of whole wheat flour (atta), the amount of oil or ghee used for roasting, and any additional ingredients added to the dough or filling.

A Calorie Breakdown of the Main Ingredients

To better understand the final calorie count, it helps to examine the individual components of a standard lauki paratha recipe. The bulk of the calories come from the flour and the cooking fat, while the lauki provides volume and nutrients with very few calories.


Ingredient	Approximate Calorie Contribution (per paratha)
Whole Wheat Flour	~100-150 kcal (depending on quantity)
Grated Lauki (Bottle Gourd)	<10 kcal (negligible)
Cooking Oil/Ghee	~40-80 kcal (1-2 teaspoons)
Spices, Herbs, etc.	<5 kcal (negligible)

This breakdown shows that controlling the amount of whole wheat flour and, more critically, the fat used for cooking, is key to managing the calorie intake of your paratha. For example, using one teaspoon of oil adds about 40 calories, while a tablespoon adds around 120 calories, a significant difference.

Ingredients and Their Impact

Whole Wheat Flour (Atta): As the primary source of carbohydrates, whole wheat flour provides sustained energy. While it contributes the most calories, it also adds valuable fiber, protein, and nutrients like iron and magnesium. Opting for whole wheat over refined flour is a healthier choice due to the higher fiber content, which aids digestion.
Lauki (Bottle Gourd): This is the nutritional star of the dish. Lauki is low in calories and fat while being rich in water, vitamins, and minerals. Its high water and fiber content promote a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management. It adds moisture to the dough, reducing the need for excess water during kneading.
Cooking Fat (Oil/Ghee): This is the biggest variable in the calorie equation. A small amount of healthy oil, like olive or canola, is acceptable for roasting. However, many traditional recipes call for ghee, which is a rich source of saturated fat. Using a minimal amount or choosing a low-fat cooking spray can significantly reduce the total calories.

How to Make Healthier Lauki Paratha

Here are some tips for reducing the calorie content and maximizing the nutritional benefits of your lauki paratha:

Use minimal oil or ghee for cooking, or dry roast the parathas. Some recipes can even be made without any added fat on a non-stick tawa.
Add more grated lauki and other vegetables like chopped spinach (palak) or fenugreek leaves (methi) to the dough to increase fiber and nutrient content without adding many calories.
Use extra spices and herbs instead of relying on fat for flavor. Cumin, coriander, and ginger are excellent choices.
Make smaller, thinner parathas to control portion size.

Topping suggestions for a healthier lauki paratha:

Plain Yogurt (Dahi): Provides protein and probiotics without a lot of fat.
Raita: A cucumber or tomato raita can add a refreshing, low-calorie side.
Green Chutney: A flavorful and low-calorie condiment made from mint, coriander, and green chilies.
Pickle: While high in sodium, a small amount of pickle can add a lot of flavor.

Comparison with Other Indian Flatbreads

To put the nutritional value of lauki paratha into perspective, let's compare it with other popular flatbreads. This comparison highlights its health benefits, particularly when prepared mindfully.


Flatbread	Average Calorie Range (per serving)	Key Ingredients	Nutritional Profile
Lauki Paratha	115-236 kcal	Whole wheat flour, grated bottle gourd, spices	High in fiber from lauki, relatively moderate in calories when made with less oil.
Aloo Paratha	200-300+ kcal	Whole wheat flour, spiced mashed potatoes	Higher in carbs and potentially calories due to the potato stuffing.
Gobi Paratha	180-280 kcal	Whole wheat flour, spiced grated cauliflower	Good source of fiber and vitamins from cauliflower, but can be high in calories depending on oil used.
Plain Roti	~70-100 kcal	Whole wheat flour, water	Lowest in calories, as it contains no stuffing and is often cooked with minimal or no oil.

Lauki Paratha in a Balanced Diet

Including lauki paratha in your diet is a smart choice, especially for those focusing on weight management. Its high fiber content keeps you feeling full longer, preventing overeating. Lauki itself is known to aid digestion and provide a cooling effect on the body. When prepared healthily, it can be a satisfying and nutritious component of a meal. Pair it with a high-protein side like dal or a low-fat raita to create a balanced, wholesome meal. For an even more balanced option, you can add extra vegetables to the dough to increase the volume and nutrients, further boosting its nutritional profile.

Conclusion In summary, while a simple question, the answer to how many calories are in lauki paratha depends heavily on the recipe and preparation. While traditional versions with generous ghee can be calorie-dense, a mindfully prepared version with minimal oil and a focus on whole ingredients offers a nutritious and satisfying meal. By paying attention to portion sizes and cooking methods, you can easily enjoy this flavorful Indian flatbread while staying on track with your health and diet goals.

For more healthy Indian cooking ideas, consider exploring recipes on reputable nutrition websites or food blogs such as Tarla Dalal for detailed ingredient breakdowns and healthier methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a single lauki paratha can range from approximately 115 to over 200 calories, depending on the specific recipe, the amount of cooking oil or ghee used, and the size of the paratha.

To lower the calorie count, use minimal oil or ghee for roasting. You can also make smaller, thinner parathas, increase the amount of grated lauki in the dough, and add more vegetables and herbs for flavor.

Yes, the type and amount of cooking oil significantly impact the calories. While most oils have similar calorie density (about 120 kcal per tablespoon), using less of any oil will reduce the total calorie intake. Ghee is also calorie-dense and should be used sparingly.

Yes, when prepared with minimal oil and a focus on whole wheat flour, lauki paratha can be a healthy part of a weight loss diet. The high fiber and water content from the lauki help promote satiety, keeping you full for longer.

Lauki paratha provides carbohydrates for energy from whole wheat flour, fiber and essential vitamins from the bottle gourd, and some protein. It can be made with minimal fat, depending on the preparation.

A plain roti, made only from whole wheat flour and water, has a lower calorie count (around 70-100 kcal) than a lauki paratha. However, the lauki paratha offers additional nutrients and fiber from the bottle gourd, making it a more filling and nutrient-dense option for a meal.

Yes, you can make lauki paratha without oil by dry roasting it on a hot tawa. Using a good non-stick pan will prevent sticking. The result is a slightly different texture, but it's a very low-calorie preparation method.