Koftas are a family favourite at our place. If we go to an Indian restaurant or order “take away”this dish would be at the top of the list!!- am sure many families would relate to that!!! If you would like to try preparing this dish, I can assure you that although the recipe looks elaborate, it is certainly doable!!
Did you know that this wonder vegetable, Bottle Gourd Juice helps in weight loss???
The kofta in this recipe is made from Bottle Gourd or Lauki or Dudhi as it is also known.
Bottle Gourd has numerours health benefits – It has loads of vitamins and minerals essential for the body. It is high in Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin A, C and Folate. It helps reduce blood pressure.
Ingredients to serve 6 people
For the Gravy
2 Tbs Oil
1 Tsp Cumin Seeds
1 Medium Sized Onion (cut in quarters)
3 Tomatoes (cut in quarters)
100 gms Tomato Paste
1-2 Green Chillies
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Inch Piece Fresh Ginger (chopped)
1 Tsp Garamasala Powder
1 Tsp Red Chilli Powder
1 Pinch of Turmeric Powder
1-2 Tsp Salt
Few Freshly Chopped Coriander Leaves
4 Tbs Fresh Cream
For the Koftas (approximately makes 15 koftas)
2 Cups of Oil (for deep frying)
2 Cups Peeled and Grated Bottle Gourd
1 Large slice of Bread
(dipped in hot water for a couple of seconds and squeeze out the excess water)
1 Green chilli (finely chopped)
¼ Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Garamasala Powder
Few Finely Chopped Fresh Coriander leaves
¼ Cup of Plain Flour (Maida)
Kofta with Bottle Gourd or Lauki
Preparation of the Gravy
Heat one tablespoon of oil in the pan
Add all the ingredients for the gravy except the fresh cream and fry it for 3-4 minutes until it is soft.
Preparation of the Koftas
In a bowl mix the grated bottle groud, bread, green chilli, salt, garamasala powder and the fresh coriander leaves with two tablespoons of the plain flour
Make it into small balls and set aside
Pour the remainder of the plain flour on to a plate and roll the balls in the flour, covering it entirely with the flour.
Heat the 2 cups of oil
Add the koftas in batches of 4 or 5 and deep fry it until golden brown
Drain it on a paper towel and keep aside (do not drop it in the gravy until ready to be served)
When it is cooled, add the fresh cream and grind it into a soft mixture.
Add another tablespoon of oil, saute the ground mixture for a few minutes with ¼ of a cup of water
Cook it on a low flame for a couple of minutes.
Garnish it with chopped fresh coriander leaves
Note: DO NOT REHEAT THE KOFTAS IN THE GRAVY ON THE STOVE AS IT WILL DISINTEGRATE
Heat the gravy to the temperature you want it to be served and add the koftas just before you serve.