This lauki ke kofte recipe features bottle gourd or kaddu kofta dipped in delicious, spicy tomato-based gravy. Lauki, bottle gourd, dodhi, ghia or opo squash are used to make kofta or fried dumplings in this lauki kofta curry recipe. Lauki kofta are smothered in a tangy, lightly spiced gravy with a tomato base. This vegan gravy is rich and full of flavors. Bottle gourd or kaddu is not usually a popular vegetable in every household but it makes one of the best curries in India. It makes a simple and comforting meal that can be served with steamed rice or any bread of your choice. Malai Kofta is perhaps the most popular kofta curry in Indian cuisine. This Lauki Kofta or veg kofta is a home style dish, the kind of dish that is made on a daily basis in Indian households. It has no cream, no butter so It's not heavy or rich but just basic and good bottle guard kofte.
Peel the bottle guard and grate it with a grater. Do not grate the middle part of lauki as it contains seeds and will affect the kofta balls.
Strain the excess water from lauki as much as you can so that the mixture could be dry.
Add chopped green chilies, fresh coriander, grated and squeezed onion, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder.
Add half quantity of besan in this lauki mixture and mix well. Besan will help to bind the mixture so add it as much as required.
Add salt and remaining besan (if required) and mix well. Do not kneed the mixture as it will release the water and the mixture will became runny.
Make kofta balls from the mixture as per the size of your choice. Do not leave the kofta mixture after adding besan in it.
Heat cooking oil over medium flame and add kofta balls in it. Oil should be medium hot.
Fry for 3-4 minutes or till they turn golden brown. We need to cook the kofta from inside so do not cook the kofta over high heat.
____________________ For Lauki Kofta Curry _________________
Heat the cooking oil over medium flame.
Add cardamom, star anise and cinnamon stick in it, fry for few seconds.
Add grated onion in it and fry till it turn golden brown.
Add ginger garlic paste and fry for few seconds.
Add grind or grated tomato and mix well.
Then add red chili powder, turmeric powder, kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and salt and mix well. Fry for 1-2 minutes.
Turn the flame to low and then add yogurt in it, mix well, cook till the oil separates.
Add fried kofta balls in masala and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Now add water in kofta along with qasoori methi. Cover the pot and let kofta cook for 7-8 minutes over very low flame.
Lauki kofta or veg kofta are ready to enjoy.
