Lauki Kofta (Bottle Gourd Dumplings in Tomato Gravy)

 

Lauki Kofta Recipe (Bottle Gourd Dumplings in Curry)

🔸 Servings: 4

🔸 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔸 Cook Time: 30 minutes

🔸 Total Time: 50 minutes

---

🥘 Ingredients

For Kofta (Dumplings):

• 1 medium lauki (bottle gourd) – about 2 cups grated

• ¼ cup gram flour (besan)

• 2 tablespoons rice flour (optional, for crispiness)

• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped

• ½ inch ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

• Salt to taste

• Oil for deep frying

For Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 inch cinnamon stick

• 2-3 cloves

• 2 green cardamoms

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped or pureed

• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste

• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed

• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• ½ teaspoon garam masala

• Salt to taste

• 1 to 1.5 cups water (as needed for gravy)

• 2 tablespoons fresh cream or 1 tablespoon cashew paste (optional, for richness)

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Koftas

1. Grate the lauki (bottle gourd) and squeeze out the excess water. Keep the water aside to use in the gravy.

2. Add gram flour, rice flour, chopped green chilies, ginger, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and salt.

3. Mix well. The mixture should be firm enough to form balls. Add more besan if it’s too wet.

4. Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat.

5. Shape the mixture into small balls and deep fry until golden brown and crisp.

6. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamoms.

2. Add the onion and sauté until golden brown.

3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add the tomato puree and cook until oil separates from the masala.

5. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and garam masala.

6. Mix and cook for 2-3 minutes.

7. Add 1 to 1.5 cups water (use the squeezed lauki water for more flavor). Bring to a boil.

8. Add cream or cashew paste if using. Simmer the gravy for 5 minutes on low heat.

---

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

• Just before serving, add the koftas to the hot gravy and let them soak for 2-3 minutes.

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with roti, paratha, naan, or jeera rice.

• For a richer version, top with a drizzle of cream before serving.