Welcome to a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart! If you’ve ever wondered how to transform humble bottle gourd into a delightful feast, then look no further than Lauki Kofta Curry. This Indian classic features crispy, golden koftas made from grated lauki, all swimming in a rich, flavorful tomato curry. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish promises to be a hit at your table. Ready to discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium lauki (bottle gourd), grated
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the lauki (bottle gourd). Wash it thoroughly, peel the skin, and then grate it using a grater. Place the grated lauki in a bowl and sprinkle a little salt over it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to release excess water.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze the grated lauki to remove the excess moisture. This step is crucial as it prevents the koftas from becoming soggy. Transfer the squeezed lauki to a mixing bowl.
- Add 1 cup of gram flour (besan), 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste into the bowl with the grated lauki. Mix everything well until combined. The mixture should be thick enough to form balls; if it's too loose, you can add a little more gram flour.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, shape the lauki mixture into small balls or koftas, about the size of a golf ball.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the koftas into the oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the koftas and drain them on paper towels. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste to the onions and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Pour in the 2 cups of tomato puree and stir well. Cook this mixture for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to simmer and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the tomato puree has thickened, add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala and mix well. Adjust the salt to taste, and if you prefer a little more spice, you can add additional red chili powder.
- Gently add the fried lauki koftas to the tomato curry, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Let them simmer in the curry for about 5 minutes, allowing the koftas to absorb some flavors.
- Finally, garnish the Lauki Kofta Curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
- Serve the Lauki Kofta Curry hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan for a complete meal.
Tips
- Grate and Squeeze: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated lauki. This step is essential for achieving crispy koftas that won’t fall apart during frying.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Before adding the koftas to the oil, ensure it's hot enough. A good test is to drop a small piece of the mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the koftas in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy koftas.
- Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala to suit your taste. You can also experiment with adding other spices like turmeric or coriander powder for extra flavor.
- Simmer for Flavor: After adding the koftas to the curry, let them simmer for a few minutes. This allows the koftas to soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh coriander leaves! They add a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish.
- Serve with Love: Lauki Kofta Curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roti, or naan. Serve it hot for the best experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
