Lauki Kofta is a flavorful and hearty North Indian dish that combines the goodness of bottle gourd (lauki) with a rich, spiced gravy. This dish features soft, golden-brown koftas made from grated bottle gourd and mashed potatoes, which are deep-fried until crispy and then immersed in a deliciously aromatic tomato-based gravy. The unique combination of lauki with aromatic spices creates a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. Lauki Ka Kofta is often served with roti, naan, or rice, making it a versatile and popular choice for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a fan of bottle gourd or simply looking to try a new vegetarian recipe, Lauki Kofta is a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients for Lauki Kofta:
For the Lauki Kofta:
- Bottle gourd (lauki) – 1 medium-sized, grated
- Gram flour (besan) – 3-4 tbsp (to bind the koftas)
- Potato – 1 medium-sized, boiled and mashed
- Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
- Green chili – 1, finely chopped (optional)
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Red chili powder – ½ tsp
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Garam masala – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves – 1 tbsp, chopped
- Oil – for frying the koftas
For the Gravy:
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
- Tomato – 2 medium-sized, pureed
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Green chili – 1, slit (optional)
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Red chili powder – ½ tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – ½ tsp
- Fresh cream – 2 tbsp (optional, for richness)
- Kasuri methi – 1 tsp (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 1-1.5 cups (for the gravy consistency)
- Oil – 2-3 tbsp
Preparation of Lauki Kofta:
Step 1: Preparing the Kofta
- Grate the Bottle Gourd (Lauki): Wash and peel the bottle gourd. Grate it finely using a box grater.
- Remove Excess Water: Place the grated lauki in a clean cloth or paper towel and squeeze out excess water. This helps prevent the koftas from becoming soggy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated lauki, boiled and mashed potato, ginger, chopped green chili, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Add besan (gram flour) little by little until the mixture can hold its shape when formed into balls. Adjust the flour amount based on the consistency.
- Shape the Koftas: Shape the mixture into small or medium-sized balls. Be gentle while making them to avoid breaking.
- Fry the Koftas: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully drop the kofta balls into the hot oil and fry them until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the koftas and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Preparing the Gravy
- Heat Oil in a Pan: In a separate pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown.
- Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the pureed tomatoes, green chili, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook the mixture until the oil separates from the masala and it becomes a thick gravy.
- Add Water: Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Stir well and bring it to a simmer.
- Add Kasuri Methi & Garam Masala: Once the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, sprinkle kasuri methi and garam masala. Stir well and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Optional Cream: If you prefer a richer gravy, add fresh cream and mix well. Let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Combining Koftas and Gravy
- Add Koftas to the Gravy: Just before serving, gently add the fried koftas to the simmering gravy. Allow the koftas to soak in the flavors for 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the Lauki Ka Kofta with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Watch video recipe of Lauka Ka Kofta on YouTube.
Instructions
To prepare kofta first peel and grate one lauki.
Squeeze extra water from lauki n keep tht water a side for gravy. Now add besan, haldi powder, chilly powder, dhaniya powder, garam masala,salt ginger garlic paste.
Mix all ingredients well. It has a thick consistent to make round shaped ball. If it’s watery add more besan in it. Don’t keep this mixture for long time. Grease your palm and make balls like this.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium flame. When oil is medium hot add balls at a time. Stir occasionally and deep fry until they turn golden brown and crisp.
For gravy firstly heat 2 tbs ghee in a pan. And add all spices in it.
Saute for 2 mins and add big chopped onion, tomatoes, ginger, green chilly, garlic cloves.
Saute for 5 mins. Now add all masalas like red chili powder,haldi,dhaniya powder,garam masala,salt in it. Saute for 7-8mins.
When onion becomes transparent off the stove. And let it be cool for 10 minutes.
After 10-15 mins firstly remove bay leaf n red chilli from this. And make a fine paste of rest one.
Now heat little butter in a same pan. And add little hing in it and add this gravy in it. Saute for 2-3 mins. Now add lauki water in it.
Cook over medium flame for 3-4 mins. stir in between occasionally. Add little curd in it and keep half to a side. Now add fried kofta balls to the gravy. After 5 mins off the stove and garnish it with curd and coriander.
Conclusion:
Lauki Kofta is a delicious and comforting dish made from the goodness of bottle gourd, complemented by a rich, flavorful gravy. The koftas are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and when combined with the aromatic gravy, they make for a hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a fan of bottle gourd or simply looking to try something different, this recipe is a great way to introduce new flavors to your dining table!
You may also like to read: Bombay Halwa Recipe
Lauki kofta
Ingredients
- 1 big lauki
- 1/2 Cup Besan
- 1 tbsp red chilli powder
- 1 tbsp dhaniya powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1/2 tbsp haldi
- 2 cup oil for frying
- 1/2 tbsp to taste Salt according
- 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
Instructions
- To prepare kofta first peel and grate one lauki.
- Squeeze extra water from lauki n keep tht water a side for gravy. Now add besan, haldi powder, chilly powder, dhaniya powder, garam masala,salt ginger garlic paste.
- Mix all ingredients well. It has a thick consistent to make round shaped ball. If it's watery add more besan in it. Don't keep this mixture for long time. Grease your palm and make balls like this.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium flame. When oil is medium hot add balls at a time. Stir occasionally and deep fry until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- For gravy firstly heat 2 tbs ghee in a pan. And add all spices in it.
- Saute for 2 mins and add big chopped onion, tomatoes, ginger, green chilly, garlic cloves.
- Saute for 5 mins. Now add all masalas like red chili powder,haldi,dhaniya powder,garam masala,salt in it. Saute for 7-8mins.
- When onion becomes transparent off the stove. And let it be cool for 10 minutes.
- After 10-15 mins firstly remove bay leaf n red chilli from this. And make a fine paste of rest one.
- Now heat little butter in a same pan. And add little hing in it and add this gravy in it. Saute for 2-3 mins. Now add lauki water in it.
- Cook over medium flame for 3-4 mins. stir in between occasionally. Add little curd in it and keep half to a side. Now add fried kofta balls to the gravy. After 5 mins off the stove and garnish it with curd and coriander.
