Description
Pointed gourd, called potol in Bengali and parwal in Hindi, is a small green vegetable with light stripes, widely cultivated across Bangladesh and eastern India. Belonging to the species Trichosanthes dioica, this gourd has a slightly firm outer skin with a soft, seed-filled interior. Its taste is mild, slightly grassy, and pleasant, making it suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. In Bangladeshi cuisine, potol is often stuffed with spiced meat or mashed potatoes, cooked with shrimp, or simmered in mustard gravies. Its ability to absorb complex flavors while maintaining structure makes it a valued vegetable in daily meals.