Kofta curries are quite popular Indian food. To prepare Lauki Kofta gravy, we make balls out of lauki (bottle gourd) and gram flour, then deep fry them and finally submerge them in the onion-tomato based gravy. Relish it with rice or phulkas.

Also try: Cabbage Aloo, Bhindi Masala, Punjabi Kadhi or Mix Veg.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: North Indian

Time: Preparation – 20 mins, Cooking – 25 mins, Total – 45 mins

Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

For Kofta Balls –

1. Bottle Gourd (Lauki) – 1 cup (grated)
2. Onion – 1/3 cup (finely chopped) (optional)
3. Green Chilli – 1 (finely chopped)
4. Gram Flour (Besan) – 3-4 tbsp
5. Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
6. Red Chill Powder – 1/2 tsp
7. Garam Masala Powder – 1/2 tsp
8. Coriander Leaves – as required
9. Oil – for deep-frying the kofta balls
10. Salt to taste.

For Gravy:

1. Onion – 1 medium (blend to a smooth paste)
2. Tomatoes – 2 large (blend to a smooth paste)
3. Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
4. Green Chilli – 2 (finely chopped)
5. Curd – 3 tbsp (beaten)
6. Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) – 1
7. Cumin Seeds (Jeera) – 1 tsp
8. Red Chilli Powder – 1/2 tsp
9. Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
10. Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
11. Garam Masala Powder – 1/2 tsp
12. Coriander Leaves – for garnishing
13. Water – 2 cups
14. Oil – 3-4 tbsp
15. Salt to taste.

PS: 1 Cup = 250 ML.

How to make Lauki Kofta:

1. How to make Kofta Balls:
   1. Take a mixing bowl. Add grated bottle gourd, onions, green chillies, coriander leaves, gram flour, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder and salt. Mix well and a make a smooth paste
   2. Heat oil in a deep pan or a kadai. Drop the paste with the help of a spoon in oil
   3. Deep fry from all the sides. Drain on a kitchen paper towel
   4. Your Kofta Balls are ready. Keep aside
2. How to make Gravy:
   1. Heat oil in a pan or a kadai. Add bay leaf. Saute for a few seconds
   2. Add cumin seeds and let it splutter
   3. Add ginger-garlic paste, onion paste and green chillies. Saute till golden brown
   4. Add tomato paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder. Cook till oil starts to separate
   5. Add beaten curd. Stir and cook for 1-2 mins
   6. Add water and salt. Bring it to boil. Gravy is ready
3. Add Koftas and cook for 5 mins on medium flame
4. Add garam masala powder and coriander leaves. Mix
5. Your Lauki Kofta is ready. Serve hot.