Lauki Kofta Curry Recipe

Bottlegourd Kofta Curry is the perfect recipe to make with Bottlegourd, also known as lauki or doodhi, is a mild and nutritious vegetable often used in Indian households to prepare various dishes.

Bottlegourd Kofta Curry also known as Lauki Kofta Curry is comforting, wholesome Indian dish. Made from grated bottlegourd (lauki) and gently spiced gravy, this dish offers a blend of nutrition and flavors. Whether you’re new to making koftas or a seasoned cook, this step-by-step guide will make sure your kofta curry turns out perfect every time.

The recipe is versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your dietary preferences, whether you're making a vegan lauki kofta curry or looking for a lighter, healthier version.

Today, I'll share a step-by-step guide on how to make Lauki Kofta Curry – a dish that combines soft, fried lauki koftas with a rich, flavorful gravy. Whether you're a fan of traditional Indian food or looking for a healthier, vegan twist on a classic, this recipe will surely satisfy.

What is Bottlegourd Kofta Curry?

Bottlegourd Kofta Curry is a popular Indian dish made from grated bottlegourd (lauki), which is spiced and shaped into small balls (koftas), fried or baked, and served in a flavorful curry. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, especially for those who find bottlegourd bland on its own. The koftas add texture to the creamy curry base, creating a dish that is both comforting and nutritious.

Why You Should Try This Bottlegourd Recipe

This Bottlegourd Kofta Curry recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The crispy koftas paired with the smooth, spiced curry make for an irresistible combination. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate bottlegourd into your diet, especially for those who may not typically enjoy this vegetable.

• A perfect combination of nutrition. A fibre-rich, protein-packed recipe.
• It's gluten-free and vegan.
• A low GI recipe perfect for diabetics.
• Compared with other Kofta recipe this is a lighter kofta curry recipe.

Ingredients for Bottlegourd Kofta Curry

For the Koftas:

• 2 cups grated bottlegourd (lauki)
• ¼ cup gram flour (besan)
• 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying (or baking for a healthier option)

For the Curry:

• 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ cup yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe for Bottlegourd Kofta Curry

Making the Koftas

1. Grate the Bottlegourd: Start by peeling and grating the bottlegourd. Squeeze out excess water from the grated lauki using your hands or a clean cloth. This is important to avoid soggy koftas.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated bottlegourd, gram flour (besan), green chilies, cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything well to form a dough-like mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a bit more besan.
3. Shape the Koftas: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls, about the size of a small lemon.
4. Fry or Bake: You can deep-fry the koftas in hot oil until golden brown or bake them at 180°C (350°F) in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until crispy. I personally prefer baking them for a healthier version.

Preparing the Curry

1. Make the Curry Base: Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start to crackle, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
3. Tomato Puree and Spices: Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala. Then, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the spices for another 5 minutes.
4. Optional: Add Yogurt: For a creamy texture, you can whisk in some yogurt at this point. Make sure to reduce the heat to prevent curdling. Stir continuously until the yogurt is fully incorporated.
5. Simmer the Curry: Add a cup of water and bring the curry to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Assembling the Kofta Curry

1. Add the Koftas to the Curry: Once the curry is ready, gently place the prepared koftas into the curry. Be careful not to stir too much as the koftas can break apart. Let them simmer in the curry for 5-7 minutes.
2. Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.

Tips for Making Perfect Bottlegourd Koftas

1. Squeeze out Excess Water: Bottlegourd has a high water content, so make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. This ensures that the koftas hold their shape and do not fall apart while cooking.
2. Adjust Besan as Needed: If your kofta mixture is too wet, add more gram flour (besan) to bind it. However, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the koftas dense.
3. Fry in Medium Heat: When frying, ensure the oil is at medium heat. Too hot and the koftas will brown too quickly on the outside but remain raw inside; too cold and they’ll absorb excess oil.
4. Bake for a Healthier Option: For a lighter dish, opt to bake the koftas instead of frying them. They will be just as delicious and much lower in calories.

Why is Bottlegourd Kofta Curry a Healthy Choice?

Bottlegourd is low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamins C and K, calcium, and dietary fiber. Incorporating it into your meals through dishes like Bottlegourd Kofta Curry can help improve digestion, aid in weight loss, and support overall health. By baking the koftas and using minimal oil, you can make this dish even healthier without compromising on taste.

Can You Make Vegan Lauki Kofta Curry?

Yes! Bottlegourd Kofta Curry can easily be made vegan. Simply skip the yogurt in the curry or replace it with coconut cream or a non-dairy yogurt for a creamy, plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this a great option for those following a plant-based diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the koftas in advance?
Yes, you can make the koftas a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven before adding them to the curry.

2. Can I freeze Bottlegourd Kofta Curry?
You can freeze the curry, but I recommend freezing the curry and koftas separately to avoid the koftas becoming soggy. When ready to eat, reheat the curry and add the koftas just before serving.

3. What is the best way to serve Bottlegourd Kofta Curry?
Bottlegourd Kofta Curry pairs beautifully with basmati rice, jeera rice, or any Indian flatbread like roti or naan.

More Such Recipes

1. Paneer Kofta Recipe
2. Malai Kofta Recipe
3. Matar Paneer Recipe
4. Mughlai Matar Makhana Recipe

Watch Lauki Kofta Recipe Video

If You like this recipe and made it Please rate the recipe. It helps us to reach more people. For the Latest updates Subscribe to Rekha's Whatsapp. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest for more food inspirations.

📖 Recipe