Lauki Kofta Curry is one of the most popular Indian curry as a side dish. Actually Kofta Curry is originally came from Nizam/Mughal in India from Arabic countries like Iran, Iraq. So this curry is basically from Mughlai cuisine. They usually made this kofta from meat and serve with gravy, but in India vegetarian varieties like Lauki Kofta Curry and Shahi Aloo kofta, are popular.
Lauki Kofta Curry is one of them and it’s very tasty and delicious vegetarian dish. It can be served with naan, roti or steamed rice.
Ingredients
For Kofta2 cup Grated Lauki/Bottle Gourd
¼ cup Besan/Chickpeas Flour
1 tsp Red Chili Powder
½ tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Garam Masala
Salt
2 Finely Chopped Green Chili
Oil for frying the Kofta
For Gravy
1 Chopped Medium Sized Onion
1 cup Roughly Chopped Tomato
2-3 chopped Green Chili
2-3 tbsp Cashew Nuts
Small piece of Ginger (1 inch)
Other Ingredients
1 tsp Red Chili Powder
½ tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Coriander Powder
2 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tsp Sugar (optional)
1/4 cup Fresh Cream/Malai
Chopped Coriander Leaves for Garnishing
Method
For Kofta* Squeeze the grated lauki tightly and remove all water from grated lauki, do not throw the squeezed water, keep aside for gravy.
* Add besan, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, chopped green chili and mix well. Make small-small balls from the prepared mixture.
* Heat oil in kadai/deep pan and fry the kofta on medium flame till golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper and keep aside.
* You can also make the kofta in appe pan using few drops of oil and cook them all side till a golden brown on medium flame.
For Gravy
* Blend the all ingredients of gravy (onion, tomato, green chili, cashew nuts and ginger) in blender and make a smooth paste and keep aside.
Process
* Heat the 2 tbsp oil in a deep pan. Add cumin seeds, prepared gravy and mix well.
* Add red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder and salt.
* Mix it well and stir it till oil become separated or 4-5 minutes.
* Add squeezed lauki water, add more water if required. Add sugar, bring it to the boil, stir it and cook it for 7-8 minutes.
* Gravy is completely ready. Add lauki kofta, garnish with coriander leaves,fresh cream and serve with hot roti, paratha or steamed rice.