Delicious Lauki Kofta Curry Recipe For Wednesday Dinner

Looking for a healthy and scrumptious option for your Wednesday dinner? Lauki kofta curry is a delectable Indian dish that combines the goodness of bottle gourd (lauki) with flavorful koftas (dumplings) in a rich and aromatic curry. This recipe is not only packed with nutrition but also easy to prepare. Let's dive into the details of preparing this mouthwatering Lauki Kofta Curry.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For Lauki Koftas:

2 cups grated bottle gourd (lauki/doodhi)
1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

For Curry:

2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
1/4 cup fresh cream (optional)
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method

- Squeeze out excess water from the grated bottle gourd using a muslin cloth or sieve. Reserve the water for later use.

- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd, besan, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to form a thick dough-like consistency.

- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai for frying. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small round koftas. Carefully drop them into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove them using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel. Set aside.

- In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.

- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion-tomato mixture.

- Cook the masala on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

- Add the reserved bottle gourd water (from step 1) and bring the curry to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

- Add the fried lauki koftas to the curry and gently mix them, ensuring they are coated with the curry. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

- Optional: Stir in fresh cream to enhance the richness and flavor of the curry.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve the delicious Lauki Kofta Curry hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti for a satisfying Wednesday dinner.