Lauki Kofta Curry

Lauki kofta curry is a delicious Indian dish made with deep-fried bottle gourd (lauki) dumplings served in a flavorful and creamy tomato-based gravy. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Lauki Kofta Curry:

Ingredients:

For Lauki Koftas:

• 1 medium-sized bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and grated
• 2-3 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

For Curry Gravy:

• 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1 green chili
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1/2 cup fresh cream or cashew paste (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

Making Lauki Koftas:

1. Squeeze out excess water from the grated bottle gourd and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
2. Add besan, chopped green chili, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the grated bottle gourd.
3. Mix everything well to form a dough-like mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more besan.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
5. While the oil is heating, shape the mixture into small round balls or oval-shaped koftas.
6. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the koftas into the oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy from all sides.
7. Remove the fried koftas using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel. Set aside.

Making Curry Gravy:

1. In a blender, add chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Blend into a smooth paste. You can also use a store-bought tomato-onion paste.
2. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the tomato-onion paste to the pan. Cook until the raw smell disappears and the paste thickens.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
5. Add water to achieve the desired consistency of the gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Assembling Lauki Kofta Curry:

1. Just before serving, gently drop the fried koftas into the simmering curry gravy.
2. Let them simmer together for a couple of minutes, allowing the koftas to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
3. Optionally, you can add fresh cream or cashew paste for a richer texture. Mix well.
4. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
5. Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Lauki Kofta Curry, a perfect blend of spiciness, creaminess, and crunchiness!