Benefits of a Vegan

Lauki Kofta Recipe

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Lauki Kofta Recipe

This Lauki ke Kofte recipe has bottle gourd kofta dunked in a delicious, spiced tomato-based gravy. The first time I tried Lauki Kofta was at my in-law’s place. I never knew that this type of a delish, tangy curry could be made with bottle gourd (opo squash, long melon or lauki, dudhi, ghia). The famous version Malai Kofta is what I was accustomed to.

Here’s a detailed recipe for making Lauki Kofta:

Ingredients:

For Kofta (Bottle Gourd Dumplings):

  • Lauki (Bottle Gourd): 1 medium-sized, grated
  • Besan (Gram Flour): 3-4 tablespoons
  • Green Chilies: 1-2, finely chopped
  • Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
  • Coriander Leaves: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
  • Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Garam Masala: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: for frying

For Gravy:

  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
  • Tomatoes: 2 medium, pureed
  • Garlic: 4-5 cloves, finely chopped or crushed
  • Ginger: 1 inch, grated
  • Green Chilies: 1-2, finely chopped
  • Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Garam Masala: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tablespoon
  • Cream or Yogurt: 2-3 tablespoons (optional, for a richer gravy)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Water: as needed
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves: for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing the Kofta:

  1. Grate the Lauki: Grate the bottle gourd and squeeze out excess water. Keep the water aside, as it can be used in the gravy.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated lauki, besan, green chilies, ginger, coriander leaves, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a batter.
  3. Form Koftas: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls.
  4. Fry the Koftas: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the koftas into the oil and fry until they are golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Set aside.

Preparing the Gravy:

  1. Sauté Onions: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  2. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chilies: Add the grated ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  3. Tomato Puree: Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  4. Spices: Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
  5. Add Water: Add the reserved lauki water (or regular water) to the gravy to achieve the desired consistency. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  6. Kasuri Methi & Garam Masala: Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the gravy along with garam masala. Mix well.
  7. Cream or Yogurt: If using cream or yogurt, add it now and cook for another 2 minutes. This step is optional but gives a richer flavor to the gravy.

Final Assembly:

  1. Add Koftas to Gravy: Just before serving, add the fried koftas to the gravy. Let them simmer in the gravy for 2-3 minutes so they absorb the flavors.
  2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving:

  • Serve Lauki Kofta hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Enjoy your delicious Lauki Kofta!

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