Delicious and Nutritious: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lauki Kofta Recipe

Indian cuisine is known for its diverse and flavoursome dishes, and one such gem is Lauki Kofta. Lauki kofta, also known as bottle gourd kofta, is a delightful North Indian dish that combines the goodness of vegetables with rich, aromatic spices. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy, making it a popular choice among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. In this blog, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare mouthwatering lauki kofta at home.

Ingredients

For the Kofta:

1. 1 medium-sized bottle gourd (lauki)
2. 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
3. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
5. Salt to taste
6. Oil for deep frying

For the Gravy:

1. 2 large tomatoes, chopped
2. 1 large onion, finely chopped
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
5. 1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water
6. 1/2 cup fresh cream
7. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
8. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
9. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
10. 1 teaspoon garam masala
11. 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
12. Salt to taste
13. 2 tablespoons oil
14. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions Preparing the Kofta:

• •Peel and grate the bottle gourd (lauki). Squeeze out the excess water from the grated lauki and keep it aside. This step is essential to prevent the koftas from becoming soggy.
• •In a mixing bowl, combine the grated lauki, besan, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well to form a thick, dough-like consistency.
• •Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small portion of the kofta mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
• •Carefully shape the kofta mixture into small, round balls and gently slide them into the hot oil. Fry the koftas until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.

Preparing the Gravy:

• 1. In a blender, combine the soaked cashew nuts and tomatoes to make a smooth paste.
• 2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• 3. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
• 4. Stir in the tomato-cashew paste and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
• 5. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to the mixture. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
• 6. Reduce the heat and add the fresh cream, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
• 7. Once the gravy reaches the desired consistency, add garam masala and mix well. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes.

Assembling the Dish:

• •Just before serving, place the fried koftas in a serving dish.
• •Pour the hot gravy over the koftas, ensuring they are fully immersed in the delicious sauce.
• •Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Conclusion

Lauki kofta is a sumptuous and healthy Indian dish that combines the benefits of bottle gourd with the rich flavors of Indian spices. This dish is not only a gastronomic delight but also a nutritious addition to your menu, thanks to the goodness of bottle gourd. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Lauki Kofta right in the comfort of your home. So, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor this mouthwatering delight. Happy cooking!