Lauki Kofta Recipe – Soft Bottle Gourd Koftas in Spicy Tomato Gravy (Indian Style)

Introduction To Lauki Kofta Recipe

Lauki Kofta is a classic North Indian delicacy that brings together the mild and refreshing flavors of bottle gourd (lauki) with the richness of a spiced, creamy tomato gravy. Lauki, also known as bottle gourd or doodhi, is a versatile vegetable that is light on the stomach and packed with nutrients.

The dish begins with the preparation of the koftas, which are soft, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings made from grated lauki mixed with chickpea flour (besan) and aromatic spices. These koftas are then deep-fried to golden perfection, giving them a crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with their tender interior. The frying process adds a layer of richness and texture, making the koftas the star of the dish.

The koftas are then simmered in a luxurious gravy made from tomatoes, onions and a blend of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The gravy is typically finished with a touch of cream or yogurt, which adds a silky smoothness and a subtle tang, balancing the flavors perfectly. Lauki Kofta is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of Indian breads such as naan, roti, or paratha, or with a serving of steamed Basmati Rice or Jeera Rice. Lauki Kofta is a recipe that promises to impress and satisfy. Now, Let's make with SK in a simple and easy way .

🕒 Recipe Details:

🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕰️ Total Time: 50 minutes

📑 Ingredients For Lauki Kofta:

1. For the Koftas:

1 medium-sized lauki (bottle gourd), peeled and grated

3-4 tablespoons besan (gram flour)

1-2 green chilies, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

Oil for deep frying

2. For the Gravy:

2 large tomatoes, pureed

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

2-3 green chilies, slit

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1/4 cup yogurt or cream

2-3 tablespoons oil or ghee

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

Salt to taste

🍲 How to Make Lauki Kofta step -by -step Recipe:

1. Preparing the Koftas:

Step 1.Grate and Squeeze the Lauki:

Grating the lauki and Squeeze out the excess water using a clothes or your hands This prevents the koftas from becoming soggy.

Step 2. Mix the Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated lauki with besan, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a thick mixture. If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more besan to bind it.

Step 3. Shape the Koftas:

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small, round balls or oval-shaped koftas. Make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape.

Step 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 them on medium heat until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

🍜 For a healthier Option,

you can bake the koftas instead of frying.

2. Preparing the Gravy:

Step 1. Sauté the Spices:

In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Step 2. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste:

Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the onions. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of garlic disappears.

Step 3. Cook the Tomatoes:

Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4. Spice the Gravy:

Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the masala until it thickens and releases oil from the sides.For a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of cashew paste to the gravy.

Step 5. Finish with Yogurt/Cream:

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the yogurt or cream, mixing continuously to prevent it from curdling. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 6. Simmer the Koftas:

Add the fried koftas to the gravy, ensuring they are coated well. Let the koftas simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

Turn off the heat and garnish the Lauki Kofta with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with Tandoori Naan and Roti, or steamed rice.

See more healthy Lauki recipe: Lauki Chana Dal

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips For Lauki Kofta:

1. Squeeze the Lauki Properly:

After grating the lauki, make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess moisture can make the koftas too soft and difficult to shape. If needed, use a cheesecloth to wring out the water thoroughly.

2. Adjust the Binding:

If the lauki mixture seems too wet, add a bit more besan (gram flour) to help bind the koftas. However, avoid adding too much, as it can make the koftas dense and dry.

3. Flavor the Koftas Well:

Since lauki is mild in flavor, it's important to season the kofta mixture well with spices like cumin seeds, garam masala, and green chilies to enhance the taste.

4. Fry on Medium Heat:

Fry the koftas on medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown quickly while the inside remains undercooked. Frying at a moderate temperature ensures that the koftas cook evenly and develop a nice golden-brown color.

5. Rest the Koftas Before Serving:

After frying, let the koftas rest on a paper towel for a few minutes to drain excess oil. This also helps them firm up a bit before being added to the gravy.

6. Prevent the Yogurt from Curdling:

If you're using yogurt in the gravy, make sure to lower the heat before adding it. Stir continuously while adding yogurt to avoid curdling. You can also add a teaspoon of besan to the yogurt before adding it to the gravy to stabilize it.

7. Simmer the Koftas Gently:

When adding the fried koftas to the gravy, let them simmer on low heat for a few minutes. This allows the koftas to absorb the flavors of the gravy without breaking apart.

8. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan:

While frying the koftas, avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and cause the koftas to absorb more oil, making them greasy.

9. Customize the Gravy:

You can adjust the consistency of the gravy to your liking. If you prefer a thicker gravy, cook it down a bit more. For a thinner gravy, you can add a little water or milk.

10. Make Ahead:

If you're preparing Lauki Kofta for a gathering, you can make the koftas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Prepare the gravy separately, and combine them just before serving to keep the koftas from becoming too soft.

💥FAQS About Lauki kofta:

Q 1. What is Lauki Kofta?

Lauki Kofta is an Indian dish made from grated bottle gourd (lauki), which is mixed with spices and gram flour, shaped into balls (koftas), deep-fried, and then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy.

Q 2. Is Lauki Kofta healthy?

Yes, Lauki Kofta can be a healthy dish, especially if you bake or shallow fry the koftas instead of deep frying. Lauki is low in calories and high in water content, making it a nutritious choice. The dish can be made even healthier by controlling the amount of oil and cream used in the gravy.

Q 3. How do you prevent Lauki Kofta from breaking?

To prevent Lauki Kofta from breaking while frying, make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated lauki and add enough besan to bind the mixture well. Fry the koftas on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and hold their shape.

Q 4. Can I bake Lauki Kofta instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the koftas in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. This is a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Q 5. What can I serve with Lauki Kofta?

Lauki Kofta pairs well with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It can also be served with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or even pulao.

Q 6. How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

To make the gravy thicker, cook it longer to reduce the liquid content. To thin the gravy, add a little water, milk, or cream until you reach the desired consistency.

Q 7. Can Lauki Kofta be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the koftas in advance and store them in an airtight container. The gravy can also be made ahead. Combine the koftas with the gravy just before serving to keep the koftas from getting too soft.

Q 8. What can I use as a substitute for besan in Lauki Kofta?

If you don't have besan (gram flour), you can use wheat flour or rice flour as a substitute, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q 9. How long can Lauki Kofta be stored?

Lauki Kofta can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If storing, keep the koftas and gravy separate to maintain their texture. Reheat them together before serving.

Q 10 Can I freeze Lauki Kofta?

Yes, you can freeze the koftas separately from the gravy. When ready to serve, thaw the koftas and reheat them in the gravy until they are warmed through.

🎉 Summary on Lauki Kofta:

Lauki Kofta is a shining example of how everyday ingredients can be turned into an indulgent, flavorful dish with just a little creativity and the right blend of spices. The soft, spiced koftas paired with the creamy, tangy tomato-onion gravy make it a true comfort food that’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals.

Whether you choose to fry or bake the koftas, the end result is always satisfying and delicious. Pair it with naan, roti, or rice, and you’ve got a wholesome, restaurant-style meal right at home.

If you’ve never been a fan of lauki before, this recipe just might change your mind! Try it out and experience the magic for yourself.