Lauki Kofta Recipe is a delicious North Indian curry made with soft bottle gourd dumplings simmered in a rich and flavourful gravy. Although bottle gourd may not be everyone’s favourite vegetable, it tastes absolutely wonderful when transformed into koftas and cooked in aromatic Indian spices.
Bottle gourd is known by different names across India, including Lauki, Ghiya, Dudhi, and Opo Squash. Moreover, it is rich in dietary fibre and contains several nutrients that support digestion and overall health. Traditionally, bottle gourd is used in recipes such as Lauki Halwa, Lauki Chana Dal, and Lauki Kofta Curry.
This homemade Lauki Kofta Recipe offers the perfect balance of soft koftas and creamy gravy. In addition, it makes an excellent choice for family meals, festive occasions, and special dinners. The combination of bottle gourd, gram flour, and aromatic spices creates a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with Indian breads and rice.
Therefore, if you are looking for a flavourful way to enjoy bottle gourd, this recipe is sure to become one of your favourites.
Why You Will Love This Lauki Kofta Recipe
- Soft and delicious bottle gourd koftas.
- Rich and creamy Indian-style gravy.
- Easy to prepare at home.
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, and festive meals.
- Nutritious and fibre-rich.
- Pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice.
Serves
4–6
Ingredients
For the Koftas
- 2 cups grated and squeezed bottle gourd (lauki)
- 5½ tablespoons gram flour (besan)
- 1½ tablespoons rice flour
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 3–4 black peppercorns, crushed
- ½ teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the Gravy
- 2–3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1–2 medium onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- ½ cup cashew yogurt
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1–2 cloves
- 1–2 pinches green cardamom powder
- 1½ teaspoons coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1–2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Water, as required
How to Make Lauki Kofta Recipe
Prepare the Kofta Mixture
Begin by adding grated bottle gourd, gram flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, black pepper, ginger-garlic paste, onion, green chilli, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
The mixture should be thick enough to shape into koftas without being too dry. Lightly grease your palms with oil and divide the mixture into 12 to 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into small round balls.
Fry the Koftas
Meanwhile, heat oil in a deep kadai or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is moderately hot, gently add 4 to 6 koftas at a time.
Fry them slowly while stirring occasionally until they become light golden brown and crisp on the outside. Afterwards, remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb any excess oil.
Prepare the Gravy
Next, add onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder to a blender. Grind the mixture into a smooth paste and keep it aside.
Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Then, add cloves and green cardamom powder and sauté for a few seconds. Immediately add the prepared onion and tomato paste.
Cook the masala mixture until the moisture evaporates and the oil begins to separate from the sides. This process usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes.
Finish the Curry
Now, stir in the cashew yogurt and continue cooking gently. Make sure to stir occasionally so that the gravy does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Afterwards, add water according to your preferred consistency and allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes.
Finally, add the fried koftas and mix gently. Let them cook in the gravy for 1 to 2 minutes before switching off the heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Lauki Kofta Recipe tastes delicious when served with:
- Butter naan
- Plain naan
- Tandoori roti
- Chapati
- Jeera rice
- Steamed rice
- Lachha paratha
- Cucumber raita
Tips for Perfect Lauki Kofta
- Always squeeze excess water from the grated bottle gourd.
- Keep the kofta mixture thick enough for easy shaping.
- Fry the koftas on medium heat for an even texture.
- Add the koftas to the gravy just before serving to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
- Use fresh cashew yogurt for a rich and creamy gravy.
Storage
The gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it is best to fry the koftas fresh and add them just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lauki Kofta without deep frying?
Yes. You can shallow fry or air fry the koftas for a healthier version.
Why are my koftas breaking while frying?
The mixture may contain excess moisture. Simply add a little more gram flour or rice flour to improve the consistency.
Can I prepare the gravy in advance?
Yes. The gravy can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before adding the koftas.
Is Lauki Kofta healthy?
Yes. Bottle gourd is rich in fibre and nutrients, making this dish a wholesome addition to your meal when prepared in moderation.
Lauki Kofta Recipe is a comforting and flavourful Indian curry that turns humble bottle gourd into a restaurant-style delicacy. With its soft koftas and creamy gravy, it is a perfect recipe for both everyday meals and festive occasions.